Dolphins vs. Falcons: 3 Miami Rookies to Watch in the 2011 NFL Preseason

When the Miami Dolphins take on the Atlanta Falcons on Friday night, they'll be showing off a new offense that features a lot of unfamiliar faces.

Former running back duo Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams are gone, replaced by Reggie Bush and rookie Daniel Thomas.

Thomas will be expected to contribute heavily right away, but he's not the only rookie who will make an impact in Miami.

Here's a look at three Dolphin rookies to keep an eye on in the 2011 NFL preseason.

3. Edmond Gates, WR

Brandon Marshall (pictured here) is the unquestioned No. 1 receiver in Miami.

But, he needs some help.

Enter Edmond Gates, the Dolphins' fourth-round draft pick from Abilene Christian.

He'll be expected to step in and contribute right away, along with Marshall, Brian Hartline and Davone Bess.

It'll be interesting to see how Gates uses his speed to open up the Miami offense.

2. Mike Pouncey, C

Pouncey was the 15th overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft.

He's going to have to perform like a first-round pick in 2011, because he heads into the season with the starting center job.

The center position is the most important on the offensive line.

He's going to have to learn to read NFL defenses quickly and call out blitzes.

Otherwise, it's going to be a long year for QB Chad Henne.

1. Daniel Thomas, RB

Thomas will be expected to step in and contribute right away.

The Dolphins got rid of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams before this season, so they will be relying heavily on the rookie second-round pick from Kansas State.

Thomas was a great runner for the Wildcats, but it remains to be seen how he and fellow newcomer Reggie Bush will handle the Miami running game.

Don't expect Thomas to contribute Brown-like numbers right away, but he's got a lot of potential.