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Here are four important players to keep an eye on who are returning from injuries suffered last season:

Buffalo Bills: Defensive end Mario Williams

Injury: Pectoral

Thoughts: Williams was on his way to a dominant 2011 after he recorded five sacks in his first five games. Then he tore his pectoral muscle and was sidelined for the rest of the season. That didn't scare Buffalo away from making Williams the richest player in franchise history. The Bills gave Williams a $100 million contract in free agency to improve their pass rush. Williams will join teammates Mark Anderson, Marcell Dareus and Kyle Williams to make up one of the NFL's most formidable defensive lines. There's no reason to think Williams won't be successful with this group as long as he avoids injuries.

Miami Dolphins: Left tackle Jake Long

Injury: Bicep

Thoughts: Long missed two of the final three games last season and was placed on injured reserve last December with a torn bicep. The perennial Pro Bowl left tackle went four straight years without missing a start but played hurt much of last season. Long is entering the final year of his contract, and the rebuilding Dolphins need a healthy season from their best player. Miami general manager Jeff Ireland says he wants to keep Long in a Dolphins uniform for a long time. The team may not extend Long's contract happen this summer, but look for the Dolphins to offer Long a huge extension by next year -- especially if he shows his durability in 2012.

New England Patriots: Tight end Rob Gronkowski

Injury: Ankle

Thoughts: Gronkowski didn't miss any games last season. But he suffered a major ankle injury in the AFC Championship Game against the Baltimore Ravens that hindered his effectiveness in New England's Super Bowl loss to the New York Giants. Gronkowski opted for surgery after the Super Bowl and is in the recovery phase. There is no reason to believe he won't be the same dominant player who set an NFL record for tight ends with 17 touchdown receptions in 2011. Gronkowski is 23 years old. But sometimes with youth comes the propensity to rush back on the field. It will be up to the Patriots' medical staff to make sure "Gronk" takes his time getting back to 100 percent.

New York Jets: Safety LaRon Landry

Injury: Achilles

Thoughts: The Jets signed Landry to a one-year, $3.5 million contract despite knowing he wasn't 100 percent. Landry has already missed organized team activities. The Jets hope his Achilles can be fully healthy by training camp. Landry, when healthy, is a big and physical safety who can blow people up. That would fit in well with New York's defense. But Landry can't help the Jets unless he's on the field. The former first-round pick missed 16 games the past two seasons with the Washington Redskins.

It's early in the offseason. But from the looks of it, the Miami Dolphins want to run an up-tempo offense under first-year head coach Joe Philbin.

The former offensive coordinator of the Green Bay Packers is known for putting pressure on defenses. Green Bay was as good as anyone in dictating tempo. Last year the Packers were third in total offense (405.1 yards per game) and first in scoring (35 points per game).

But can Philbin's philosophy work in Miami?

The key to Philbin's first year will be quickly learning and knowing his personnel. New coaches often make the mistake of assuming their system and concepts are one size fits all.

Miami quarterbacks Matt Moore or David Garrard certainly isn't Aaron Rodgers. Dolphins receiver Brian Hartline is not Greg Jennings, and tight end Anthony Fasano is not comparable to Packers tight end Jermichael Finley.

The Dolphins have uncertainty at quarterback and the worst group of receivers in the division. Going up-tempo has its risks. Miami could face plenty of three-and-outs, which would put a lot of pressure on its defense.

Philbin and offensive coordinator Mike Sherman need to be careful about this while installing their new West Coast offense. Green Bay's strengths under Philbin were the quarterback and passing game. It's much easier to go up-tempo when you have a Pro Bowl and Super Bowl-winning quarterback throwing to stud receivers and tight ends.

Miami doesn't have that on its roster this year. The Dolphins' strength is their running game behind their offensive line and 1,000-yard rusher Reggie Bush. It would be wise for Miami's coaching staff to keep that in mind.

» AFC Scenarios: East | West | North | South » NFC: East | West | North | South

Yes, the start of training camps is two months away, but it's never too early to consider the coming season. A look at the best-case and worst-case scenarios for the Dolphins in 2012.

Dream scenario (9-7): So much has to go right for the Dolphins to have a winning season in 2012. For example, one of the quarterbacks -- Matt Moore, David Garrard or rookie Ryan Tannehill -- will have to step up and have a stellar season. An unproven group of receivers must play above their talent level. Rookie head coach Joe Philbin has to push all the right buttons in his first year, and the defense must make a smooth transition to the 4-3. The chance of all these things falling perfectly in place for Miami is slim. But if it does, Miami could string together some wins in the AFC East and have a respectable season. Can the Dolphins carry over late momentum they gathered at the end of last season? Miami was 6-3 in its last nine games. But that was with a different coaching staff and different schemes. The Dolphins are not very talented, but they are a tough group. They could make it hard on a lot of opponents, and perhaps steal more wins than people expect.

Nightmare scenario (2-14): Miami is in the process of rebuilding. There's always an element of danger in that teams can fall apart and lose confidence when they’re not in contention. I think the Dolphins are probably a five- or six-win team next season. They could win a few games with their tough defense alone. But if nothing goes right and things fall apart, the worst-case scenario could be an ugly two-win season. The offense is a rough project. The Dolphins are installing a new West Coast offense and don't have the receivers to make it run smoothly. The biggest key is quarterback. If Moore and Garrard both struggle or get hurt, the Dolphins have no shot. It could also lead to Miami playing its first-round pick too soon. Tannehill could find himself leading a bad team before he’s ready. Think of what happened to Blaine Gabbert last season. That’s a nightmare the Dolphins want to avoid.

» NFC pressure points: West | North | South | East
» AFC pressure points: West | North | South | East

Examining who faces the most challenging season for the Dolphins and why.

Some starting NFL quarterbacks have one challenger breathing down their neck waiting to take their job. But very few incumbents have two quarterbacks gunning for them. That is the situation Matt Moore of the Miami Dolphins is in.

Moore is coming off a career year, going 6-3 in his last nine starts for Miami in 2011. He was the second most consistent quarterback in the AFC East to Tom Brady of the New England Patriots. However, that wasn't nearly enough for Moore to enter this season as Miami's unquestioned starter. He has to compete with veteran David Garrard in training camp.

Even if Moore fends off Garrard in the short term, he would still have to fight off Dolphins first-round pick Ryan Tannehill in the long term. Tannehill is clearly the quarterback of the future in Miami. How quickly Tannehill will take over depends on the rookie's learning curve and Moore's ability to win games.

It's a high-pressure situation for Moore, where it appears nothing will be good enough in Miami. Moore is entering the final year of his contract, and even if he puts up big numbers, Tannehill is expected to take his job for good in 2013.

Moore proved last season that he can handle pressure. He pulled the 0-7 Dolphins out of the gutter by infusing new energy. Miami played solid football in the second half of the season.

But this is a situation Moore won't survive with the Dolphins. The best Moore can hope for is to beat out Garrard and get enough playing time this year to show another team he can be a long-term starter.

Warning: Trying to understand retired Ravens running back Ricky Williams' train of thought can lead to headaches; or at the very least, a great deal of confusion.

Just listen to Williams' reasoning on why he believes there is a link between concussions and brain damage.

"I don't buy it," Williams told ESPN's Dan Le Batard on Tuesday. “I'm only speaking from my personal experience, because I've never allowed myself to buy it, and I haven't been affected by it. Yes, I'm aware that football is a rough sport, but instead of saying, 'Oh, I'm doomed to like brain trauma,' I said, 'What can I do about it?' And I just started taking care of my body. I found people, places and things that really helped me. Again, I don't know what's going to happen to me in 10 years, but for me I look at the other things I've learned about and the way I see the world.”

This makes you wonder if Williams is thinking clearly after 2,431 carries in the NFL. If I'm following him correctly, and I'm not totally certain that I am, the key for football players to avoid head trauma later in life is to keep in good physical shape and refuse to believe science.

"So is science like the new deity of our culture? It is, but should it be?," Williams said. "If you look at science 100 years ago, the things that they thought based on their science, we now show they had no idea of what they're talking about. I think as time goes on, the things that I've been saying are just going to be proven to be correct. The way that football is looking at it now, if you follow the trajectory, it creates the end of football. So, do we want football to die? I don't."

Williams is the one who is sounding behind the times. It's amazing that Williams can have this way of thinking, especially after spending a season in the same locker room with center Matt Birk. Three years ago, Birk pledged to donate his brain and spinal cord tissues after death to a Boston University medical school program that is looking to better understand the long-term effects of repeated concussions.

Williams certainly has the right to speak his mind and he's dealt with more blows to the head than I ever will. He said he doesn't know how many concussions he's had but he doesn't feel any effects right now. You have to wonder whether his stance on concussions and head trauma will change 10 years from now.

Last week ESPN.com's blog team examined big questions around the NFL. I had four in the AFC East that need to be answered that you can check out here.

This week we want to look at four smaller questions about the AFC East. Credit goes to NFC East blogger Dan Graziano for the idea.

Will the Jets improve safety play?

Opponents found the weakness in the New York Jets' defense in the second half of last season. The Jets were exploited time after time over the middle of the field, particularly by opposing tight ends. It was part of the reason the Jets lost their final three games.

Will New York improved its safety play in 2012? The Jets are banking on LaRon Landry to be an upgrade over Jim Leonhard. Landry is a bigger hitter but his coverage skills are questionable. Landry also has injury concerns. Eric Smith struggled last season but will get another year in the starting lineup. Neither safety is known for coverage.

The corners -- Darrelle Revis and Antonio Cromartie -- will do their job. But the Jets could have the same issues over the middle if Smith and Landry don't step up.

Will Shawne Merriman contribute?

Where does Merriman fit with the 2012 Buffalo Bills? It depends mostly on Merriman's health. The outside linebacker is trying to return from back-to-back season-ending Achilles injuries.

Buffalo could use a rejuvenated "Lights Out" coming off the edge this year. The Bills have made it a point to improve their pass rush by investing most of their free-agent dollars on starting defensive ends Mario Williams and Mark Anderson. Merriman has lacked the burst he had earlier in his career. But if he can add several sacks to the pile for the Bills, that would be a huge bonus.

Can the Miami Dolphins find a second pass-rusher?

Speaking of pass-rushers, the Dolphins have one in Cameron Wake, who just received a $49 million extension. But who will take the pressure and double-teams off Wake, which was a major issue last season?

Miami's defense is strong in many areas. The team is expected to use more 4-3 looks under first-year defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle. Wake will be a threat on one edge, but someone needs to step up on the opposite side.

Miami's second-leading player in sacks last year was Jason Taylor, who is retired. Maybe defensive lineman Jared Odrick has the potential to fill the void. The Dolphins also drafted Olivier Vernon in the third round to bolster the pass rush.

Will Patriots' running game produce?

The reigning AFC champion New England Patriots improved their defense. They upgraded their wide receivers and signed several offensive linemen.

But what about New England's running game? The Patriots did little at tailback. They lost leading rusher BenJarvus Green-Ellis and signed Joseph Addai, which is a downgrade. Addai averaged just 3.7 yards per carry last season.

The key will be the development of second-year running backs Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen. New England hopes one or both players make a big jump in Year 2. The Patriots will be a pass-heavy team. There's no denying that. But the running backs have to make the most of their opportunities when quarterback Tom Brady isn't throwing the ball.

The Miami Dolphins solved on of their biggest offseason issues Sunday. The team worked out a $49 million extension with top pass-rusher and outside linebacker Cameron Wake, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

Wake displayed his unhappiness this offseason by missing part of the team's offseason workouts. He had conversations with members of the Dolphins and briefly returned. But there was still tension without a new contract.

Wake led Miami in sacks the past two seasons. He was entering the final year of his contract.

We will have more on Wake’s extension coming up next.

The New York Jets are expected to have an extensive Wildcat package this season. New York acquired former Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow, who has experience with the read-option offense in college and the pros.

New Jets offensive coordinator Tony Sparano unleashed the Wildcat on the NFL several years ago with the Miami Dolphins. Sparano used two running backs – Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams -- in Miami, and he talked about the differences this week with using Tebow, a quarterback, in New York.

"With Ricky (Williams) and Ronnie (Brown), the reason that we had to do it in Miami at that time was those were really our two best players at that point, and part of the philosophy was to get the two best players on the field at the same time. And in doing so, we created some matchup problems that way. I think the difference (with Williams and Brown) is there was very little element of pass involved in that, where obviously with Tim, that's a different element. So if we decide to go down that road, the element of being able to throw the football out of that brings a complete different dynamic into the picture here."

If effective, Tebow is expected to take some pressure off starting quarterback Mark Sanchez and add a unique element to the running game. Tebow averaged 5.4 yards per carry in 2011, and has the athleticism and toughness to move the chains.

Many feel there is a brewing quarterback controversy in New York. But Sparano thinks Sanchez will respond fine with fewer snaps. Tebow could get anywhere between 1-20 plays per game, depending on the game plan and opponent.

"I'm not concerned about that, no, I don't think so," Sparano said. "I think with all the work that we'll be doing between now and the time the season starts and all the steps, I think we have to remember that Mark, he's been under center here for a lot of games, for the three years that he's been here, and I think that between now and training camp and through training camp (with) all the snaps that Mark will get, I think we'll be in good shape."

I usually don't like to look beyond this season in the NFL because so much can change in a year. But ESPN's resident scout Todd McShay has an interesting mock draft up for 2013.

It's a very early projection. But let's take a look at what McShay has in store for the AFC East:

Miami Dolphins

Pick: No. 8

McShay's pick: Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia

Thoughts: McShay projects Miami to take one of the best pass-rushers next year. Jones recorded 13.5 sacks as a junior, and expectations are high for Jones in 2012. Pass-rushers are always needed. For example, Dolphins outside linebacker Cameron Wake is entering the final year of his contract and is in the middle of a dispute with the team.

New York Jets

Pick: No. 9

McShay's pick: Barkevious Mingo, DE, LSU

Thoughts: I'm surprised McShay and Scouts Inc. project New York to have a top-10 pick next year. Are the Jets on their way to another implosion, as the No. 9 overall pick suggests? If that's the case, McShay sees the Jets drafting another pass-rusher in Mingo. This is the norm for Jets coach Rex Ryan. But I think running back and offensive tackle could be more pressing needs by the end of next season.

Buffalo Bills

Pick: No. 17

McShay's pick: Logan Thomas, QB, Virginia Tech

Thoughts: The Bills didn't draft a developmental quarterback this year. So I understand why McShay sees Buffalo taking one in the first round in 2013. Buffalo will need to have someone ready to replace Ryan Fitzpatrick in the next few seasons. But I was surprised that it was Thomas over Oklahoma's Landry Jones, who has more buzz entering this year. But both players will settle it on the field to determine who is the second-best quarterback prospect behind Matt Barkley of USC.

New England Patriots

Pick: No. 32

McShay's pick: Marquess Wilson, WR, Washington State

Thoughts: Once again, it's interesting that McShay and Scouts Inc. are vaguely predicting a Super Bowl title for New England. The Patriots have so many receivers already that I'm finding it hard to see New England drafting that position in the first round. The Patriots have few holes. But maybe cornerback or running back could be early targets, depending on how things play out this season.

DAVIE, Fla. -- The Miami Dolphins' quarterback of the future is doing everything he can this weekend to prove he can be the quarterback of the present.

Ryan Tannehill, Miami's No. 8 overall pick, looked in control during his first NFL practice. Tannehill showed off his strong arm and natural leadership in rookie mini-camp Friday. Tannehill says he already knows about "80-85 percent" of the playbook, which is very similar to the offense he ran in college.

Last week, Tannehill became the first quarterback taken in the opening round by the Dolphins since Dan Marino in 1983. Tannehill gives the city of Miami hope that this struggling franchise can eventually turn it around.

However, Tannehill is not expected to start right away. That distinction goes to veterans David Garrard or Matt Moore, who are expected to compete for the starting job in training camp while Tannehill gets up to speed.

It's early, but Tannehill was the best player on the field Friday amongst his rookie peers. He made some big-time throws, including a well-timed bomb to seventh-round pick Rishard Matthews. Tannehill also showed good mobility and command of the huddle. Several times he had to get less-familiar rookies lined up properly before running the play.

"I hope I'm looked at as a leader of the team, especially at this rookie mini-camp," Tannehill said. "A quarterback should be leaders of the team. I want to try to get guys going, and get guys playing together and make everyone around me better."

Things weren't perfect in Tannehill's first practice. He threw an interception over the middle in team drills after rookie sixth-round pick B.J. Cunningham dropped the ball. In fact, there were three drops on the day from rookie receivers. That had to feel familiar for Tannehill, who suffered from drops last season at Texas A&M.

It's not just the rookies. The receiver position as a whole will be a major question in Miami. Dolphins head coach and former Green Bay Packers offensive coordinator Joe Philbin wants to run an up-tempo West Coast offense that puts pressure on the defense.

"I thought overall the tempo was good and the effort was good," Philbin said of Friday's practice. "We told them in the meeting room our expectation wasn't that the execution would be perfect. I'm sure the film will verify that when we take a look at it."

The Dolphins have a long time to improve on the details between now and September. But overall the first day of the Tannehill era looked pretty good, all things considered. The rookie needs to continue having solid practices like Friday to convince Miami's coaches he's ready for the NFL.

"Guys are working hard and guys are making plays," Tannehill said. "I'm trying to help out as much as I can. Being in the offense for four years back at [Texas] A&M, it's not my first go-around."

Who will step up at wide receiver?

The Miami Dolphins have put themselves in a tough spot. They want to run an up-tempo West Coast offense this year, but wide receiver is probably Miami's weakest position.

Dolphins rookie head coach Joe Philbin said several times that he doesn't believe in having a dominant No. 1 receiver. That was one of the primary reasons the Dolphins traded Pro Bowl receiver Brandon Marshall. But that doesn't mean Philbin can get by without quality players at the position.

Philbin had talented receivers during his five years as offensive coordinator with the Green Bay Packers. Greg Jennings doesn't get as much press as others at his position, but he's very good. Jordy Nelson and Donald Driver are solid, productive veterans, and Jermichael Finley is one of the league's top receiving tight ends.

There is nothing to resemble that level of talent in Miami. Dolphins top receiver Brian Hartline is no Jennings. Davone Bess and Legedu Naanee do not fit Philbin's West Coast scheme like Nelson and Driver. Miami tight end Anthony Fasano cannot stretch the field like Finley.

Miami surprisingly ignored the receiver position until the sixth and seventh rounds of the draft last weekend. That's probably not going to fix this problem for QBs Matt Moore, David Garrard and rookie Ryan Tannehill.

Two of the Miami Dolphins' top defenders in franchise history -- former defensive end Jason Taylor and former linebacker Zach Thomas -- reacted to the death of linebacker Junior Seau. Taylor and Thomas were teammates with Seau for three seasons in Miami.

Taylor: "I'm shocked and saddened. Devastated, really. Junior was one of the most positive, uplifting people I have ever known. He was always full of life and energy and had an infectious spirit that lifted everyone around him. Junior called everyone 'buddy' and treated them like he had known them forever. It would be easy for me to say he was a great friend and teammate, and a tremendous competitor, but that would be selling Junior short. Junior Seau was an individual of great honor and integrity, a leader of men and someone with a deep rooted passion for giving of himself to make the people, the community and especially the children around him better. This is an immeasurable loss for so many. My heart and prayers go out to Junior's family, Gina and their children. I'm going to miss you buddy."

Thomas: "I have never been around a man with more love and passion for the game of football than Junior Seau, and he lived life the same way. Junior was always fun to be around, always positive and made every person who knew him feel like he was their best friend. You never heard one negative word come out of his mouth. Junior just had this energy that followed him around wherever he went, almost like theme music. It was like he never had a bad day. As a young linebacker, Junior was my hero growing up and once I had the opportunity meet him I saw that he was everything I hoped he would be and more. Getting the chance to play alongside of Junior Seau, the greatest linebacker to ever play the game, made my dreams come true. I am absolutely devastated to hear this news. Today I lost my hero, my friend, my buddy."

The Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots were two of the three teams future Hall of Fame linebacker Junior Seau played for. Seau, 43, died on Wednesday.

Here are two issued statements from the Dolphins and Patriots:

Dolphins CEO Mike Dee: "We are stunned and saddened at the passing of Junior Seau. During his time with the Dolphins he made a unique contribution to the team and the South Florida community. Junior was a fierce competitor whose passion and work ethic lifted his teammates to greater heights. His enthusiasm for the game was infectious and he passed that on to everyone who was around him. He loved the game so much, and no one played with more sheer joy. Beyond his accomplishments on the field, though, he was as well known for his charitable accomplishments to help those less fortunate than himself, especially kids. Whether it was in San Diego, South Florida, New England or everywhere else in between, Junior loved putting a smile on a child’s face during his 'Shop with a Jock' program or during one of his countless school visits. He made a difference to so many people in so many places. Junior was one-of-a-kind. The league will never see anyone like him again. He will be missed, and on behalf of the Miami Dolphins we want to extend our condolences to his family."

Patriots team statement: "We were shocked to hear of the initial reports regarding Junior Seau earlier today and are deeply saddened by the news of his death. We were fortunate to have had Junior join the Patriots in 2006 and are thankful for his many contributions to the team over the next four years. He had a legendary NFL career and his unrivaled passion for the game quickly made him a fan favorite here in New England. This is a sad day for the entire Patriots organization, our coaches and his many Patriots teammates. Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers go out to his family and his many friends who will mourn this loss."

Junior Seau's 20-year career made a widespread impact. That included the AFC East, where the future Hall of Fame linebacker spent the final seven years of his stellar career with the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots.

Seau died on Wednesday, which is a huge loss for the Patriots, Dolphins, San Diego Chargers and the entire NFL community. In the AFC East, Seau will be remembered most for his tremendous work ethic, passion and ability to play a demanding position until he was 40.

Seau came to Miami as a 34-year-old linebacker. It was unknown at that time how much more he had left in the tank. But Seau was one of the studs on Miami's defense, played 15 games in 2003 and led the Dolphins to a 10-6 record. In fact, Miami had winning records in two of Seau's three seasons. The Dolphins have had just one winning season since Seau left Miami in 2006.

Seau came to New England the following season in '06 with even more questions. He was 37. But Seau quickly acclimated himself to the "Patriot way" and played 27 games his first two seasons in New England.

In 2007, Seau was a prominent member of New England's undefeated regular-season team. He recorded 74 tackles, 3.5 sacks and three interceptions for those Patriots, who came up just short in the Super Bowl and remain one of the greatest teams to not win a Super Bowl.

That undefeated regular season and Super Bowl run in '07 turned out to be one of Seau's last great moments as a player. He stuck around for two more seasons in New England but started just two games in that span.

Seau will be remembered as a Charger, first and foremost. But the Patriots and Dolphins will never forget his contributions.

The Miami Dolphins believe they have found their quarterback of the future in first-round pick Ryan Tannehill. Miami took Tannehill with the No. 8 overall pick in last week's NFL draft.

Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland called it an "all-in" decision by the entire organization. In many ways, this is a signature moment for Ireland, rookie head coach Joe Philbin and Miami's current regime.

If Tannehill develops into a stud NFL quarterback, Miami has a good chance to turn the organization around and become a force in the AFC East. If he's a first-round bust, the Dolphins can expect several more years of misery.

But Tannehill's success or failure is not totally up to him. There is a lot the Dolphins must do to ensure their prized rookie has the best chance possible to succeed at the next level.

Here is the AFC East blog's four-step plan that Miami should follow with Tannehill.

Step No. 1: Lower expectations

Miami is already failing in this department. I cringed over the weekend when Dolphins owner Stephen Ross said he hoped to retire Tannehill's No. 17 jersey someday. This was during Tannehill's introductory news conference. You don't put that kind of pressure on a rookie before his first NFL snap.

It also doesn't help that Tannehill is the first quarterback taken by Miami in the opening round since Dan Marino in 1983. In fact, Tannehill (No. 8) was taken much higher than Marino (No. 27). The pressure to fill those shoes has been immense for a long time. Miami hasn't had a legitimate, franchise quarterback since Marino retired in 2000. Fans expect Tannehill to be that player.

The good news is it's not too late to temper expectations. Tannehill will take the practice field for the first time this weekend during rookie minicamp. It's a chance for the media and coaches to see Tannehill in action and set the bar for where he really stands at the pro level.

For now, one of the best things Miami can do is stop talking about retiring jerseys, winning championships and filling Marino's shoes when it comes to Tannehill. Let the rookie develop his own identity with the team at his own pace.

Step No. 2: Sit Tannehill for a year

That brings me to my next point: Do not, under any circumstances, make Tannehill the starter this year. That would be the biggest mistake Miami could make.

The Dolphins have two veteran quarterbacks ahead of the rookie -- David Garrard and Matt Moore -- and a new scheme on offense. Let Garrard and Moore battle it out this year, while Tannehill holds a clipboard and gets ready for 2013.

Miami's offense is too fragile right now for a rookie quarterback, especially one with just 19 collegiate starts. Everyone is learning first-year head coach Joe Philbin's West Coast offense this year, and there aren't enough quality personnel in place to make the scheme successful.

Tannehill shouldn't be subjected to that right away. The strange thing is the rookie quarterback is probably the most knowledgeable about Miami's offense, considering his strong ties with Dolphins offensive coordinator Mike Sherman, who coached Tannehill in college.

This is a rebuilding year for the Dolphins and they know it. The sooner Tannehill plays, the better the chance he looks like Blaine Gabbert. That would be disastrous for Miami.

The Dolphins should put Tannehill on ice for a year. The only circumstance in which he should play is if Garrard and Moore get injured. Perhaps one exception is starting Tannehill in Week 16 or 17 if Miami has nothing to play for and wants to get Tannehill's feet wet for 2013.

Otherwise, Miami should keep Tannehill on the bench and resist the temptation of short-term buzz and excitement. Tannehill should be treated with the long haul in mind.

Step No. 3: Use Dan Marino as a mentor

Here is some free advice for the Dolphins: They should encourage Marino to be Tannehill's mentor.

Marino, a Hall of Famer, is royalty in Miami. I've said several times in the AFC East blog that Marino is an underused commodity by the Dolphins organization. This is the perfect time and situation to tap into that resource.

Marino has already accomplished what Tannehill dreams of doing. Marino also speaks the same language and can relate to Tannehill in ways that the coaching staff and front office cannot.

If Tannehill is trying to fill Marino's shoes, it makes sense for Marino to be in Tannehill's corner throughout the process to provide support. It may not seem like a big thing, but this could go a long way for the rookie quarterback.

Step No. 4: Get better wide receivers

We alluded to the personnel in Step No. 2. The Dolphins aren't ready at receiver to make things easy on Tannehill.

Philbin says the team's doesn't need a No. 1 receiver, but you do need good receivers who can makes plays and get open. A Tannehill-to-Brian Hartline connection is not all that attractive this year. Hartline is Miami's top receiver and he caught just 35 passes in 2011. Davone Bess is a solid slot receiver but may be asked to take on a bigger role due to lack of competition. The other receiver positions are wide open.

I was surprised Miami didn't take a receiver higher in this draft. The Dolphins waited until the sixth and seventh rounds, despite the position being one of the team's biggest needs. You're not going to plug every hole in the draft, but this is one more reason to keep Tannehill on the bench this year.

If the Dolphins follow this four-step plan, Miami has a good chance to get the best out of Tannehill. He has all the physical tools and potential to be a solid NFL quarterback. But it is very important that Miami does whatever it takes to give Tannehill a fair shot.