Ryan Tannehill: Miami Dolphins Make Smart Choice to Bench Rookie QB

The Miami Dolphins have decided to leave rookie quarterback Ryan Tannehill on the bench for the foreseeable future, and that is absolutely the right decision for the franchise.

The Palm Beach Post is reporting that Tannehill is currently no better than being that No. 3 guy on the depth chart behind David Garrard and Matt Moore. Given his lack of experience under center, that is exactly where the Texas A&M product belongs.

The Dolphins took a serious risk by selecting Tannehill with the No. 8 pick in the 2012 NFL draft. He has all the tools teams look for in a franchise-caliber quarterback, but after just 20 collegiate starts, he doesn't have much experience at the position.

The fact that he played wide receiver for his first two collegiate seasons means he's even further behind the curve than he should be at this point.

Tannehill is 6'4" and 221 pounds, which gives him ideal size for an NFL quarterback, and he has good arm strength and accuracy. He is also very mobile and can throw on the run. The problem is his decision making and his inexperience reading defenses. 

The Dolphins have made the right decision by putting him all the way at the bottom of the depth chart. That move will allow Tannehill to sit back and absorb everything that goes on with the team's offense, and he can learn how to be a starting quarterback in the NFL.

While Garrard and Moore are both no better than average options at the position, both have been successful starters in the NFL. By watching them operate, Tannehill will be able to develop the mental aspect of his game. 

Dropping to third on the depth chart may seem like a serious demotion for Tannehill right now, but in the long run, the Dolphins are making the right decision for his overall growth as a quarterback.