DAVIE, Fla. -- Don't tell rookie guard Jamil Douglas that he's only a fourth-round pick. According to Douglas, he's coming to the Miami Dolphins this offseason with goals and expectations of a player selected in the earlier rounds.

It is rare that rookies drafted in the middle rounds earn a starting job right away in Miami. Under fourth-year head coach Joe Philbin, only three position players -- quarterback Ryan Tannehill and offensive tackles Jonathan Martin and Ja'Wuan James -- have started in Week 1 as rookies. Tannehill and James were first-round picks, while Martin was a former second-round selection.

Douglas is trying to become the fourth player to accomplish that goal.

"There's definitely a sense of urgency," Douglas said of his mindset. "That would be regardless of whether they needed it or not. I want to contribute to this team as much as possible and help this team win games. So there's definitely a sense of urgency from me."

Douglas has a solid chance due to Miami's weakness at guard. This was a trouble spot for Miami last season. So much was the case that Pro Bowler Mike Pouncey played guard for 12 games after recovering from hip surgery. Pouncey will be moved back to center in 2015, which leaves two spots open at guard.

Dallas Thomas and Billy Turner are the two early favorites at left and right guard, respectively, because they are holdovers who know the offense. The Dolphins also signed guards Jeffrey Linkenbach and Jacques McClendon in free agency to compete for starting jobs.

Douglas has plenty of experience with 40 career starts in college. He started 13 games at left tackle and 27 games at left guard.

"He's a guy who played a couple different positions at Arizona State, we think that's a good thing," Philbin said. "A lot of guys have made that transition from tackle to guard in the National Football League. So far he's off to a good start."

Douglas played only on the left side in college, but he's willing to play wherever there is opportunity.

"I spent most of my time on the left side. So I would prefer that," Douglas explained. "But it's not a problem. I can put my other hand in the dirt and play as well."