Two rookies set to step up for Dolphins in Week 1

By Matthew Hocking  |   Tuesday, September 04, 2007  |  Comments( 10 )

Miami Dolphins
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The Miami Dolphins are preparing to jump into uncharted waters as they take on the Washington Redskins in Week 1.

The rebuilding project began in earnest during the offseason with the drafting of Ted Ginn Jr. and John Beck and the acquisition of Trent Green to ease Beck's transition into the pro game. The Dolphins are hoping to find a good cross section of talented young players and veterans on offense and defense to move the team into contention in the AFC East. While everyone expects big things from veterans like Chris Chambers, Ronnie Brown and the aforementioned Green, there are a few rookies who are looking to make an immediate impact.

Most believe Ginn will make the biggest splash among Dolphins rookies, but the unsung hero of this year's class might have been picked up on the second day of the draft. Reagan Mauia wasn't expected to have a big effect on the Dolphins this year, but the sixth-round draft pick has been so impressive at fullback that the team cut long-tenured veteran Cory Schlesinger. Mauia has shown flashes of talent as a short-yardage runner and as a safety valve out of the backfield. Now that Schlesinger has been handed his walking papers, Mauia is set to be the lead blocker and veritable juggernaut he claims to be from the get-go.

Mauia's biggest fan is head coach Cam Cameron, who said of the former Hawaii standout, "You can only have so many active (backs), and if he can run the football, you put a 260-pound guy back there."

Mauia's preseason success and Schlesinger's release also opens the door for the Dolphins to keep tailback Patrick Cobbs, who had a strong camp and will likely make a push for a more regular role this season.

Mauia will face a bit of a tall order in Week 1. He's still nursing a broken bone in his left wrist, and he'll be wearing a soft cast during the game; Mauia might thrive trying to open up rushing lanes for Ronnie Brown against a Washington Redskins defensive unit that ranked twenty-seventh in the league against the run during the 2006 regular season.

Joining Mauia as a starter is former Hawaii teammate and rookie Samson Satele, a center whom Miami picked in the second round. Satele has earned high marks from coaches for his toughness and intelligence on the line since taking over for preseason favorite veteran Rex Hadnot, who moved to right guard.

Satele officially begins his pro career facing a porous Washington defense that has barely improved from last year -- the only notable addition this offseason was middle linebacker London Fletcher. The Dolphins are confident that the 300-pound rookie, who can play all five line positions, is going to be their man at center for a long time to come.

It remains to be seen whether this mix of young talent and experienced veterans can carry the Dolphins above their 6-10 record of a year ago. However, with players like Mauia and Satele prepared to step up for the Dolphins from the season opener, the immediate future is definitely looking brighter in Miami.
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