NFL Nation reporter James Walker assesses which rookie player on the Miami Dolphins could earn a starting berth this season.

Jamil Douglas received first team reps during OTAs and minicamp. Matt York/AP Photo

Why Jamil Douglas could start: To put it bluntly, the Dolphins are in dire need for someone (anyone?) to step up and solidify the guard position. Douglas, Miami's rookie fourth-round pick, has as good a chance as anyone to earn a starting job on the offensive line. Incumbents Dallas Thomas and Billy Turner began the offseason with the first team in organized team activities and minicamp. However, by the end of minicamp, several players such as Thomas, Turner, Douglas and Jeff Linkenbach were all sharing reps with the first team.

Douglas played most of his college career on the left side, which means he is competing directly with Thomas at left guard. Although it is difficult to evaluate offensive line play without pads, Douglas has shown solid strength and the ability to hold at the point of attack, which were weaknesses for the Dolphins' interior offensive line in the past.

Ryan Tannehill is the most sacked quarterback (139) in the NFL over the past three seasons. Any guard who can help lower Miami's sack-rate and produce in the running game has a chance to start, regardless of experience. With first-round pick DeVante Parker (foot surgery) on the shelf for about two months and second-round pick defensive tackle Jordan Phillips behind well-established veterans Ndamukong Suh, Earl Mitchell and C.J. Mosley, Douglas is Miami's only rookie with a legitimate chance to earn a starting role in Week 1.