2012 NFL Draft: Brock Osweiler Could Be Peyton Manning's Successor for Broncos

Peyton Manning is the Denver Broncos' quarterback for 2012, but there is no way of knowing how much could be left in the future Hall of Famer’s tank. The 36-year-old is coming off a season where he did not play a minute of football and, while the Broncos likely will not be forcing Manning out anytime soon, they may be intending on adding his successor in the 2012 NFL draft.

Intriguing quarterback prospect Brock Osweiler worked out for a team of Broncos personnel led by team president John Elway and head coach John Fox on Thursday at the Arizona State campus in Tempe.

The 6’8” signal-caller has found interest from many NFL teams for April’s upcoming draft. The intrigue surrounding the statuesque prospect arises upon when he should be drafted.

Osweiler has been projected to go anywhere from the late first round to the fourth round of the draft. His size, which easily makes him the tallest quarterback in the draft, is well-liked by some while others are not quite as keen on his large stature—you don’t see too many 6’8” quarterbacks in the NFL.

The Arizona State product displays phenomenal arm strength and was quite productive during his junior season with the Sun Devils. However, concerns have arisen surrounding his ability to consistently make good passes as well as his overall throwing motion. He is a raw talent and will need time for grooming, even if some team is foolish enough to spend a first-round draft pick on the young quarterback.

At just 21, Osweiler has plenty of time to sit back and learn from one of the game’s best in Manning—if both parties are willing to cooperate in such a manner.

None of Manning's backups during his tenure with the Indianapolis Colts ever panned out to be much of anything and there were rumors he was not willing to work with Andrew Luck had he have been retained by his former team, though the veteran quarterback stated otherwise following the Colts' Week 17 loss to Jacksonville.

Regardless, with the departure of Tim Tebow and Brady Quinn, the Broncos are in dire need of a competent backup quarterback. Osweiler could be the best option with tons of upside, potentially able to take the reins as the franchise quarterback when Manning is finally ready to call it quits.

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