The Miami Dolphins made their preseason debut Friday in a 16-10 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. One of the key players to watch was rookie first-round pick Ja'Wuan James, who also made his NFL debut as Miami's starting right tackle.

James is already inserted as the Dolphins' Week 1 right tackle. Therefore, it's important that he makes steady progress during the preseason.

We went back to the film to study James' snaps against Atlanta and provide a grade.

Snap one: James gets help in his first NFL snap from tight end Dion Sims, who provides a chip on Falcons defensive end Kroy Biermann. James then does a nice job standing Biermann up as Dolphins quarterback Ryan Tannehill makes a short completion to running back Lamar Miller.

Grade: +1

Snap two: James takes a step right and makes good impact with Biermann on a running play up the middle. James has his arm wrapped around Biermann but avoided holding. Miller runs for a short gain.

Grade: +1

Snap three: On Miami’s second passing play, James gets another chip from tight end Kyle Miller on Beirmann. James then holds his own for a short, first down completion. It is clear Dolphins offensive coordinator Bill Lazor wants the rookie right tackle to get his feet under him. Smart move.

Grade: +1

Snap four: James steps left on a misdirection play and fools Beirmann. James blocks the defensive tackle but has questionable hand placement around the chest area. That’s the second time on the drive, and James needs to watch that aspect of his game.

Grade: -1

Snap five: James whiffs on a block during a stretch run play. Beirmann is not close to the play.

Grade: -1

Snap six: James holds his block on Beirmann during an inside run by Miller. James is keeping Beirmann ineffective on this drive.

Grade: +1

Snap seven: Biermann drops in coverage and James wisely doubles Falcons defensive end Tyson Jackson. Tannehill makes a short completion to Miller.

Grade: +1

Snap eight: James wins over Biermann again by standing him up again in pass protection. Tannehill completes a 36-yard pass to receiver Rishard Matthews.

Grade: +2

Snap nine: The Dolphins run right for the first time on the drive and James holds his ground against Biermann. Neither play had the advantage.

Grade: Even

Snap 10: James and the rest of the offensive line runs a misdirection to the left and fool Atlanta’s defense. Dolphins receiver Brandon Gibson is open to the right for an easy, 6-yard touchdown receptions. Strong drive by James and the offense.

Grade: +1

Snap 11: On Miami’s second drive, James gets his first pancake block in the NFL against Jonathan Massaquoi on a run by Dolphins tailback Mike Gillislee. Impressive block and effort by James.

Grade: +2

Snap 12: Biermann returns to the game and easily sheds James on a running play to help make the stop.Bad blocking and Miami is forced to punt.

Grade: -2

Snap 13: James steps inside to chip the defensive tackle on a running play for a short gain.

Grade: Even

Snap 14: James does a call misdirection that doesn’t work and quarterback Seth Lobato is forced to throw the ball out of bounds.

Grade: Even

Snap 15: James does a nice job stopping Massaquoi on third down. It’s evident James’ practice battles with Cameron Wake are helping in pass protection. Lobato completes a short pass on third down and Miami is forced to punt.

Grade: +1

Snap 16: On another misdirection pass play, James and teammate Dallas Thomas pull right and Lobato completes a pass to his left.

Grade: Even

Snap 17: James blocks his third Falcons defensive end -- Malliciah Goodman -- but the running play goes for a loss as left tackle Jason Fox gets beat inside.

Grade: Even

Snap 18: James is one-on-one against Massaquoi again and has a good battle. Massaquoi gets some push but not enough to get to Lobato, who throws an incomplete pass out of bounds.

Grade: +1

Snap 19: James gets poor positioning and misses his block inside. But he shows good second effort to hustle downfield and hit Atlanta’s safety on a running play.

Grade: Even

Snap 20: Atlanta brings the blitz and James tries to identify the extra man. He doesn’t block anyone, but Lobato makes a nice throw to tight end Brett Brackett.

Grade: Even

Snap 21: James gets blown up on a running back by Atlanta linebacker/defensive end Tyler Starr, who tackles Damien Williams for a short gain.

Grade: -2

Snap 22: James holds his block well in pass protection, but Lobato throws another incomplete pass.

Grade: +1

Snap 23: James has a hand battle on a bubble screen in the opposite direction. Not much action for the rookie on this play.

Grade: Even

Snap 24: James remains in the game in the second half. Starr gives him trouble again with a quarterback pressure to force the incompletion.

Grade: -1

Snap 25: False start by James and fellow rookie Billy Turner.

Grade: -2

Snap 26: James and Turner combine on the next play to get a good push on the right side during an inside running play by Gillislee. Both rookies showed a mean streak.

Grade: +1

Snap 27: James holds up well in pass pro against Falcons defensive lineman Cliff Matthews for a short completion. James’ pass blocking has been a strength in this game.

Grade: +1

Overall grade: +6

Analysis: James performed well in the first 27 snaps of his NFL career. He was at his best in pass protection and made most of his mistakes in the running game. The Dolphins believed he was one of the most NFL-ready offensive linemen in this draft, and James showed why by holding his own against Atlanta. James still made some rookie and technique mistakes that must be cleaned up. But he graded out well for his first outing.