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Fins Rookies Hit The Field For Mini-Camp

DAVIE, Fla. (CBSMiami) – For the first time ever, the Miami Dolphins rookies will get a taste of what it's like to be in the National Football League Friday.

Rookies including quarterback Ryan Tannehill, offensive tackle Jonathan Martin and a cavalcade of other players will all be on the Dolphins practice field to get acquainted with the NFL and the Dolphins coaches.

Most eyes will be on Tannehill who Fins management and fans hope will finally solve the quarterback situation in Miami that has been in flux since Dan Marino walked off the field more than a decade ago.

Tannehill already knows roughly 60-70 percent of the Dolphins' new playbook as he played under Fins offensive coordinator Mike Sherman while both were at Texas A&M. His primary competition this year will be Matt Moore, who led the Dolphins to a .500 record in the last 12 games and veteran David Garrard.

Given that Tannehill only has 19 starts as a quarterback under his belt, most believe he will spend most of the 2012 season on the bench. But, as Fins general manager Jeff Ireland said, he didn't pick him to sit on the bench.

The player who has the potential to make the most impact as a rookie is offensive tackle Jonathan Martin. He played left tackle for three years protecting Andrew Luck's blind side. He'll kick over to right tackle with the Fins.

Some have worried about his strength, after he put up 20 reps of 225 pounds at the NFL Combine, but the Dolphins will not rely as much on strength as it will athletic ability in a zone-blocking scheme.

Past Tannehill and Martin, all eyes will be on a pair of former Miami Hurricanes, Lamar Miller and Olivier Vernon. Miller is expected to challenge Daniel Thomas for carries when Reggie Bush is out of the game and possibly help in the kicking game.

Vernon, a classic 4-3 defensive end, is expected to contribute on third downs to help teams keep from double-teaming Cameron Wake on most plays. Vernon could work his way into a starter if Jared Odrick doesn't play at a high level and Vernon improves each week.

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