The Miami Dolphins spent three days in April adding eight college prospects to their roster. Those eight members, the team's 2016 NFL Draft class, were primarily from the offensive side of the ball, but did have some players who could find key playing time on defense. Add in special teams snaps for any of the eight players, and suddenly, the Dolphins could find themselves getting great production out of their rookies.
But, which draft pick will have the best year?
Will first-round pick, Laremy Tunsil be the best from the draft class? Or will second-round pick Xavien Howard be able to unseat him as the top producer this season? Will one of the two players selected in the third round, Kenyan Drake or Leonte Carroo, break through as the top player selected? Or the sixth round's Jakeem Grant or Jordan Lucas? The seventh round's Brandon Doughty or Thomas Duarte?
Tunsil will likely see the easiest path to a starting role, taking the left guard position. Howard will battle for the second starting cornerback spot, though it is not going to be handed to him. Drake will likely backup starter Jay Ajayi and Carroo could fight for a third wide receiver role, but may end up relegated to the fourth spot. Grant should see playing time on offense as the team looks to use his speed, but could be an even bigger factor on special teams as a kick and punt returner. Lucas will likely move back to cornerback, the position he played prior to moving to safety as a senior at Penn State, and he may have more of a special teams role as a rookie unless he can surprise in training camp. Doughty will be buried on the depth chart by Ryan Tannehill and Matt Moore, while Duarte could find a role, but has to develop as a true tight end rather than a split-out receiver type of player.
All of the rookies should have a role on the team, and they should provide some production for Miami. Who will have the biggest production?