2011 NFL Draft: Roles and Expectations of Each Miami Dolphins Draftee

Now that the Dolphins' 2011 draft class if finalized, we can turn our attention towards a new wave of speculation: what role each prospect will play next season.

Miami had a slew of offensive needs headed into the draft, and they acted accordingly. But will any of these new draftees garner playing time? And what about the team's later-round selections? These questions could be answered once and if the lockout is lifted, but for now, here are the most likely scenarios.

Mike Pouncey: Starter

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NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 28: Mike Pouncey, #15 overall pick by the Miami Dolphins, holds up a jersey on stage during the 2011 NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall on April 28, 2011 in New York City. (Photo by Chris Trotman/Getty Images)

Some have criticized the Dolphins for taking a "safe" route with Mike Pouncey. But, those doubters fail to understand that he provides an immediate and significant upgrade to an offensive line that was at fault for much of the offense's woes last season.

Pouncey will reportedly compete with Richie Incognito for the starting center job. Wherever he ends up, whether it be at center or guard, the Dolphins now have a potentially elite interior lineman who projects as the first piece in re-establishing Tony Sparano's power rushing attack.

No new quarterbacks or new running backs can succeed behind a poor offensive line, and while Pouncey might not match his brother's rookie Pro Bowl success, he will help ease the transition for whoever is playing behind him in 2011.

Daniel Thomas: Starter

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LAWRENCE, KS - OCTOBER 14: Daniel Thomas #8 of the Kansas State Wildcats carries the ball as Olaitan Oguntodu #44 of the Kansas Jayhawks defends during the game on October 14, 2010 at Memorial Stadium in Lawrence, Kansas. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Im

If Mike Pouncey is the first component to re-establishing a power rushing attack, then Daniel Thomas might be the final. Even though Thomas was actually a rather finesse runner at Kansas State, it is likely that the Dolphins will try to put his 230-pound frame to use and morph him into a more physical runner.

Bill Parcells had Thomas rated as the third-best back in the draft which bodes very well for his future—and explains why Miami was so attracted to him.

Anybody who rushes for 19 touchdowns in a single season against elite collegiate competition should have few problems adjusting to the NFL. Thomas could easily become the most productive running back in his rookie class, and though he will likely be paired with a scat-back such as Darren Sproles or maybe DeAngelo Williams, expect him to carry a significant workload and produce very, very good numbers.

Edmond Gates: Developmental Contributor

It's difficult to pinpoint exactly why Edmond Gates, projected by some as a second-round prospect, slipped to the Dolphins in the fourth round. In all likelihood, teams were afraid of his age (25) and quality of opposition (Division II).

But Gates completely dominated at Abilene Christian and ran a 4.37 with a bad hamstring. He is the quintessential prospect for Miami, who was so desperately lacking a vertical threat to complement Brandon Marshall.

However, Gates will likely need some time to make the leap from D-II to the NFL, but there are examples of players completely skipping the learning curve (Pierre Garcon). If—and it's a big if—Gates sees the field this year, he should produce modest numbers at the very least. An upgrade at quarterback would bode very well for his 2011 outlook, but we should be more excited for his future than his immediate contributions.

Charles Clay: Special Teams, Short Yardage and Red Zone Contributor

According to Football Outsiders, a trusted football analytics source, Lousaka Polite's play dipped drastically in 2010. Miami won't give Polite a free pass for his past success, and rookie Charles Clay could take his job.

Clay was drafted as a fullback but don't expect the Dolphins to limit him to just one position. He is truly an H-back, so Miami will likely move him around in the backfield, placing him at tight end and fullback.

Clay has the athleticism and hands to be an effective tight end, and he has the strength to be an effective fullback. Assuming he holds his own in training camp, expect him to see the field in many short yardage packages, especially in the red zone where he can sneak out on short routes or manage some carries.

Frank Kearse: Developmental Project

As some criticism continues to mount against the Dolphins draft class, people are pointing to the team's two seventh round picks—Frank Kearse and Jimmy Wilson—as reaches because they were projected to be undrafted. But why not make sure you grab two prospects rather than risk losing them to another team in free agency?

Anyway, Kearse is nothing more than a long-term developmental project, but he is a much-needed one. Behind Paul Soliai, the Dolphins have virtually no other legitimate nose tackles.

Miami's hope is that Kearse, within the next one to three years, can become an effective nose tackle. He probably won't ever become a starter, but seventh-round picks barely do. He is here to develop and eventually provide depth.

Jimmy Wilson: Special Teams and Developmental Project

Miami's depth at cornerback leaves little room for Jimmy Wilson, but if he can grasp concepts at safety or display special teams skills, then his chances greatly increase.

It's nearly impossible to gauge just how much potential Wilson has considering he played in the I-AA and was derailed to a murder trial. But it's probably safe to say that if Wilson hadn't gone through that ordeal, he could have been a much, much higher pick.

Wilson, like Kearse, is merely a developmental project for now; however, he has much more upside. Don't expect to see Wilson taking any reps at corner or safety for a long time but don't be shocked if he makes the 53-man roster as a special teams ace.