Will Chad Ochocinco Signing Hurt Ryan Tannehill's Rookie Campaign?

Newly-signed Miami Dolphins receiver Chad Ochocinco won't return to Pro Bowl status this year, but he certainly gives rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill a better chance to succeed if the first-round pick plays in 2012. 

There's no guarantee Tannehill is named the starter at any point of his first season, and actually, some believe he's desperately in need of at least a year to learn the nuances of playing the quarterback position in the NFL. 

In other words, they think a full season of holding the clipboard will go a long way for the skilled but somewhat raw signal-caller. 

Fortunately for Tannehill, he doesn't have Peyton Manning or Tom Brady ahead of him on the Dolphins' roster. 

Matt Moore and David Garrard are capable starters, but it's blatantly obvious neither are franchise quarterbacks and most likely aren't in the Dolphins' future plans. 

Tannehill, as a thrower and purely as an athlete, is leaps and bounds ahead of Miami's other two quarterbacks, which could lead to him before pushed into the starting role faster than some expect. The fact that the Dolphins are committed to adding more intrigue and buzz could also help Tannehill's starting chances. Recent successes of rookie signal-callers like Andy Dalton and Cam Newton provides another reason Tannehill could be playing much sooner than we all think.

He needs Ochocinco as much as Ochocinco needs him. 

During his collegiate career, he threw to talented but ultimately unreliable and unspectacular receivers. Ochocinco might be past his prime, but take a look at the rest of the Dolphins' receivers and you'll realize an upgrade was needed. 

Outside of Brian Hartline, Davone Bess and Legedu Naanee, guys who've played only in complementary roles, the receiving contingent is youthful and exceedingly unproven. 

Dalton thrived last season in large part to the intimidating presence of A.J. Green. Newton benefited from a steady tight end duo and the accomplished and spirited Steve Smith. 

Tannehill needs a supremely talented guy who knows what it takes to be go-to receiver. At the very least, the rookie can pick Ochocinco's brain about what's needed to create a connection with wideouts. At this point in his career, it's highly unlikely Ochocinco will be complaining about a low number of targets. 

We don't know if and when Tannehill will play, but Ochocinco is precisely what the No. 8 overall pick needs early in his career. 

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