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Yesterday, I spent some time scanning our sister SB Nation sites, just to see what they were all talking about as we head into the doldrums of the offseason. A lot of them have some really great discussions, and they all gave me some ideas for posts later on this offseason. But, one I liked a lot was over on Arrowhead Pride.
Essentially, the Chiefs look at each prospect, and ask themselves:
What will this player's role be as a Chief? | Will the role change from year one to year two? | How many downs can he be expected to play? | Which current player on the roster will he beat out? | What's his value on special teams? | Does he have positional
With those questions in mind, I figured we could turn toward the Miami Dolphins' draft picks, starting with quarterback Ryan Tannehill, and see how they fit in with those questions.
1. What will this player's role be as a Dolphin? - This may be the easiest answer ever. Tannehill is the quarterback of the future for Miami. When that future will begin is up to the coaching staff, who could start the rookie in Week 1, wait until mid- to late-season games to start him, or even keep him on the bench all year, but whenever the future does begin, big things are going to be expected from Tannehill.
2. Will the role change from year one to year two? - Most likely. Even if Tannehill doesn't see the field at all in 2012, he should be the starter in 2013 unless Matt Moore or David Garrard simply tear it up this year. Even if Tannehill is the starter in Week 1 of the season this year, his role will change from a rookie out there just to get experience to someone expected to be able to lead the team in year two.
3. How many downs can he be expected to play? - Again, it depends on when Tannehill gets into the game. Once the starter's role is his, he will take all the offensive snaps for the Dolphins.
4. Which current player on the roster will he beat out? - Potentially Matt Moore and David Garrard. Definitely Pat Devlin. No matter where he starts on the depth chart in 2012, Tannehill should end up ahead of everyone on the depth chart by the start of 2013.
5. What's his value on special teams? - None.
6. Does he have positional versatility? - Interesting question. As the eighth overall pick in the draft, absolutely not. He's the Dolphins quarterback of the future, plain and simple. But, Tannehill actually does. His time at Texas A&M shows, he could play wide receiver. The Dolphins will not use him in that role, but technically, he does have some versatility.