Rookie mini-camps and OTAs are underway around the NFL, as the teams get their first look at their draft picks in an NFL uniform. The Miami Dolphins missed the playoffs last season, and they'll be counting on a few rookies to play notable roles in their attempt to make it back. But what kind of impact will the Dolphins' 2016 draft class have?
The short-term impact is based on what the rookies will do early in their careers. For the early round picks, that refers to their first year or two at most. For some of the later picks, that might mean the entirety of their first contract. The long-term impact is what the Dolphins are hoping these players become, if they are actually able to make a long-term impact. Remember, plenty of draft picks simply don't last long in the NFL.
With all that out of the way, here's the impact each Dolphins' draft pick could have.
OT Laremy Tunsil - Round 1, Pick No. 13
Short-Term Impact: Starter
Tunsil will start on Day 1, although it's not exactly clear where. The Dolphins ended his slide on draft day, and they'll be sure to plug him somewhere into the lineup. Branden Albert will likely stay at left tackle for now, and Miami also has Ja'Waun James at RT. Tunsil might start his rookie year at guard, but he won't be expected to play there his whole career.
Long-Term Impact: Franchise LT
The Dolphins took Tunsil with the plan to eventually start him at left tackle. If Tunsil can reach his potential, it's likely the Dolphins will have found a long-term piece at LT.
CB Xavien Howard - Round 2, Pick No. 38
Short-Term Impact: Starter
Howard will likely start on Day 1 at CB, across from Byron Maxwell. The Dolphins are thin at CB, and Howard should have little problem earning a starting spot if heathy.
Long-Term Impact: Starter
Howard should be a starter for many years if everything goes according to plan. The real question is if he can become a No. 1 CB, or if his ceiling is as a high-end No. 2.
RB Kenyan Drake - Round 3, Pick No. 73
Short-Term Impact: 3rd down back and returner
Drake's short-term impact is the same as his long-term one. He'll be a third down back in the NFL, as he lacks the strength and durability to be a feature back. He'll play early on third downs and can help on returns as well. He was overlooked playing at Alabama behind Derrick Henry, but Drake could become a Shane Vereen-type weapon.
Long-Term Impact: See above
WR Leonte Carroo - Round 3, Pick No. 86
Short-Term Impact: No. 4 WR
The Dolphins moved up in the draft to snag Carroo, which was a bit surprising since the team did not need WR help. With DeVante Parker, Jarvis Landry and Kenny Stills on the roster, Carroo will be the team's No. 4 WR early in his career.
Long-Term Impact: No. 3 WR
With Parker and Landry on the roster, it's tough to foresee Carroo becoming anything more than the No. 3 option for Miami unless someone leaves or struggles. Carroo has talent, and can surpass Kenny Stills on the depth chart, but that's his ceiling on this Miami squad.
WR Jakeem Grant - Round 6, Pick No. 186
Short-Term Impact: Backup WR and Returner
Grant can fly, and his best asset will be on returns. However, he likely won't contribute much else as a WR, outside of a few potential sub packages designed to get him the ball, because he's so undersized. He's not as gifted as Tavon Austin, and will likely be limited to returns in his NFL career. However, he could be a really good return man.
Long-Term Impact: See above
CB Jordan Lucas - Round 6, Pick No. 204
Short-Term Impact: Practice Squad
Lucas fits what the Dolphins want to do at CB, and will fight for a roster spot. However, with Howard, Maxwell, Bobby McCain, last year's fifth round Tony Lippett, Tyler Patmon and a potentially healthy Ifo Expre-Olomu on the roster, there might not be a spot for Lucas.
Long-Term Impact: Backup
Eventually I think Lucas will make the roster. I don't foresee him being a starter, but he could contribute as a reserve corner. His ability to help at safety if needed will help his chances of sticking on a roster.
QB Brandon Doughty - Round 7, Pick No. 223
Short-Term Impact: Practice Squad
Ryan Tannehill, Matt Moore, Logan Thomas and even former 7th rounder Zac Dysert are already on the roster for Miami. While Doughty put up great numbers at Western Kentucky, he has a tough road ahead of him to be the No. 3 QB.
Long-Term Impact: Backup
Best case for Doughty, he becomes a backup in the NFL. He simply doesn't have all the tools he needs to be a starter in the NFL and any development of him would likely take longer than an NFL team is willing to give.
WR/TE Thomas Duarte - Round 7, Pick No. 231
Short-Term Impact: Practice Squad
As previously mentioned, the Dolphins are already set at WR. Duarte will likely shift full-time to TE, but might not make the roster right away. Jordan Cameron is still in town, as is Dion Sims. Jake Stoneburner is a similar player to Duarte, and the former has more experience. Duarte is too raw as a blocker to merit a spot at this point., unless he really proves himself on special teams.
Long-Term Impact: Backup
If Duarte improve his blocking, he might be able to stick in the NFL. He's a solid pass catcher and the Dolphins are likely hoping he can develop into a Cameron-type player. However, that might be a bit of a long-shot.