Miami Dolphins Draft: Meet Your Dolphins Rookie Class of 2011!

I was personally surprised and disappointed by the approach which the Miami Dolphins' front office took as they drafted this year.

I understand the picks but it also occurred to me that, assuming that Ronnie Brown doesn't return, the Dolphins are rebuilding on offense. 

We all know that there has been a constant rebuilding of the offensive line since Tony Sparano and Jeff Ireland arrived. It can be said that they are now trying to stabilize this line with talented youth. 

The reality is that this roster had holes to fill and, as fans, we got to see how dedicated they are to building around the run game....even though the trend for successful teams is to have a relevant passing attack because the current rules allow for passing game to thrive. 

It also appears that the Wildcat is not dead. Even though Bill Parcells referred to it as a"novelty." 

I'll cover that in the introduction because you'll easily see a connection between the Wildcat and the top two picks. It's not hard to notice. 

I really look forward to the development of this offense in 2011. 

And, without further ado, here are the Miami Dolphins rookie class of 2011! 

Mike Pouncey, C Florida

Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

NEW ORLEANS - JANUARY 01: Quarterback Tim Tebow #15 of the Florida Gators celebrates tossing a touchdown pass against the Cincinnati Bearcats with Maurice Pouncey #56 and Mike Pouncey #55 during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisana Superdome on Januar

Relation to the Wildcat: Pouncey's claim to fame is opening holes for dynamo Tim Tebow. He's the perfect center to utilize the Wildcat system. 

He was the top center in the draft. Ireland describes this pick as easy and safe. 

He's already being compared to Dwight Stephenson. Talk about immediate pressure. I guess he's faced a lot of pressure in his collegiate career because he's a national champion. He seems to be a perfect fit for what the Dolphins want to do on offense. 

He's described as an "athletic, great football IQ, and comes with a mean streak." 

He's also described as "he struggles with strong tackles." I hope this doesn't refer to Vince Wilfork. 

He's technically strong and incredibly smart. 

It's good to have a solid rookie at center. One of my favorite all time Dolphins was Tim Ruddy. 

If Mike Pouncey can come close to performing like Tim Ruddy, we've got to be very satisfied. 

Daniel Thomas, RB, Kansas State.

Relation to the Wildcat: He ran the offense in both junior college and college. He originally was a quarterback, he is an upgrade to the Wildcat over Ronnie Brown. He can throw and run. 

The Dolphins traded up to get Thomas because Jeff Ireland saw the Patriots and Lions take running backs at the end of the second. He didn't want to wait and see if Daniel Thomas would make it to the 15th pick in the third round. 

I would argue that none of the teams at the end of the second round wanted running backs. Ireland probably could've moved up in the third rather than giving up picks to move into the second. That's just my opinion. The Cowboys were the next team to take a running back in the third round at pick seven. 

Nevertheless, Ireland loved this guy and went out and got him. The vision is set. I loved watching the highlights of this guy. He was a one man wrecking crew at Kansas State. I'm excited to see what he can do in a Dolphins uniform. 

I'm very concerned about his issues: hamstring injury and a string of fumbles. I don't care what his 40-yard time was, he's a player. However, the Dolphins drafted a running back who recently had a hamstring injury. He's a big back who only put up 18 reps of 225. That's not ideal.

Nevertheless, watch the film. He carried his offense. You can't argue that. He won't have to do that in Miami. You can't argue his ability. I'm excited to see him play!  

Edmond Gates, WR, Abilene Christian

Speed, speed, speed (4th fastest 40 yard dash, 4.37)...oh and production! 

Try this! He had 66 catches, 1182 yards, and 13 touchdowns during his senior season. 13 touchdowns is a great sign. I imagine we'll see him return kicks and/or punts. His productivity increase every year. 

It will be fun to watch where he lines up on offense. I think this is a great fourth round pick. 

He was a former basketball player who turned into a football athlete. 

I'm not surprised about this pick, especially after the local media questioned Jeff Ireland about the acquisition of more speed on offense. 

He is unrefined because of a lack of experience. However, this Dolphins coaching staff has done a great job of refining receivers. 

He will be fun to watch! 

Charles Clay, TE/RB/FB, Tulsa

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 20: Fullback Charles Clay #9 of the Tulsa Golden Hurricane rushes upfield against the University of Central Florida Knights at Bright House Stadium on October 20, 2007 in Orlando, Florida. UCF won 44 - 23. (Photo by Al Messerschmid

Awesome pick. Great fit for the Miami Dolphins. 

He is simply productive off the line of scrimmage, in the back field, running the ball, catching the ball. 

I really look forward to seeing this athlete on the field. 

It is said that he is a man without a pure position. But his skill set fits into what the Dolphins like to do with a tight end so well.

He has a strong 40-yard dash, good strength, and great quickness. 

However, he needs to work on blocking skills in the NFL. This is doable. This was a creative pick which the Dolphins need to move the ball. 

It will be difficult for the opposing defense to cover because he can be placed anywhere on the field. 

Good value for the pick! 

Frank Kearse, DT, Alabama A&M

6' 4" and 315 lbs. A workhorse of the defense. He will be the defensive line project. Can he be the Next Jay Ratliff? 

He didn't post strong bench press numbers, 22 reps. However, he has plenty of time and space to improve. He's definitely a project. 

He caught the Dolphins' attention at his pro day (even though they weren't in attendance). He made a great impression on scouts as a nose tackle for the 3-4 defense. 

Welcome to the Miami Dolphins Mr. Kearse. You'll have plenty of opportunity to grow into this defense. Tony Sparano and Jeff Ireland have a great background of developing defensive lineman. Right Paul Soliai? 

Jimmy Wilson, CB, Montana

5' 11" and 193 lbs. 4.5 40-yard dash. Athletic. 

The Dolphins continue to go north to find athletes to fill their roster. The scouts who raid this cabinet are impressive. I like Lex Hilliard and Dan Carpenter. 

I look forward to seeing how Jimmy Wilson will make his mark on this roster. 

Now, onto the serious business of Jimmy Wilson. 

He was recently acquitted of murder in a 2007 shooting. That's a bit intense and the Dolphins are taking a risk here. While he was acquitted, what is the story? What was he doing in that scenario in the first place? 

Nevertheless, I'm assuming that the Dolphins have done their due diligence. 

The Grizzlies are well represented in South Florida!