2012 NFL Draft: Ranking the Top Quarterback Prospects

The college football season is underway, meaning NFL scouts are busy scouting prospects. The quarterback position is always the top discussion topic. The 2012 draft will feature several top-notch quarterback prospects, including Andrew Luck, Landry Jones and Matt Barkley.

Luck is the most recognizable name, as he is being billed as the top overall prospect. The hype is only increased because he plays the quarterback position. Some experts feel that Luck will be the best prospect to enter the draft in the last several years.

The 2011 draft saw four quarterbacks selected in the first round. Cam Newton led the charge, with the Carolina Panthers selecting him No. 1 overall.  The 2012 draft could equal or surpass the four quarterbacks selected in 2011. It is early in the season, but several quarterbacks are already making a push for a first round draft grade.

The NFL is driven by quarterback play, making the position a top priority for each team.

Jon Dove is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report, covering the NFL and NFL draft. Check him out on twitter @Jon_Dove42

2012 NFL Draft Quarterback Ranking: No. 1 Andrew Luck, Stanford

Andrew Luck is the unanimous No. 1 overall prospect and is expected to be the first player selected. The hype surrounding Luck is unmatched and will bring a ton of pressure on the young quarterback. However, Luck has shown that he is capable of handling both the pressure and media hype.

Luck has all the attributes necessary to be a successful NFL quarterback. He possesses a strong arm, which allows him to make all the necessary throws. His ball arrives to the target with good zip. That zip prevents defenders from making a play. Nobody will doubt Lucks ability to spin a clean football.

Accuracy is an important part of being a successful quarterback. Luck is accurate on all levels of the passing game. He does a good job getting the ball out in front of his target, providing the opportunity for yards after the catch. In the intermediate passing game, Luck utilizes good ball placement to ensure the completion. He is also able to deliver a catchable bucket pass and stretch the defense.

Overall, Luck has the skills necessary to back all the hype. His maturity and poise will also help him with this transition to the NFL.

2012 NFL Draft Quarterback Ranking: No. 2 Landry Jones, Oklahoma

Landry Jones is the leader of a potent Oklahoma passing attack. He emerged last season as one of the top quarterbacks in the country. His impressive stats have him on a short list of Heisman Trophy candidates. Jones' stats and physical skills have him fighting for a spot in the first round of the NFL draft.

Upside and potential are major contributors to a player's draft stock. Jones' stock is more about upside than NFL readiness. His live arm shows he has the ability to make all the necessary throws. He delivers the ball on a line with good velocity.

Jones has improved his accuracy each season. That improvement is important, as evaluators are always looking at the height of a players ceiling. Jones is still a work in progress, but his physical attributes make him a legitimate NFL prospect.

2012 NFL Draft Quarterback Ranking: No. 3 Nick Foles, Arizona

Nick Foles is not as highly touted as the rest of the prospects on this list, but is equally as talented. Foles has helped lead Arizona to Pac-12 relevancy, making them a legitimate contender. His on the field play has also caught the eye of scouts.

Foles lacks elite arm strength, but is more than capable of making all the throws. He has shown the ability to stretch the field while also executing the tough sideline passes. His ball quickly arrives to his target with good zip.

Arizona's offense provides Foles with a ton of passing opportunities. However, it is a version of the spread, impacting his pro style knowledge. One question mark surrounds Foles' ability to deliver an accurate football. He has inconsistent footwork, which hinders his overall accuracy.

I am higher on Foles than most analysts, but feel he has a bright future. His physical tools and production will make him relevant come April.

2012 NFL Draft Quarterback Ranking: No. 4 Matt Barkley, USC

Many have Matt Barkley fighting Landry Jones for the No. 2 ranked quarterback prospect.  However, I have Jones, Foles and Barkley battling for position. The three prospects are very closely rated and possess a lot of the same skills.

Barkley is entering his third year as the starting quarterback for the USC Trojans. During his time at USC, Barkley has shown good poise and leadership.  He has remained positive despite the the postseason ban. Barkley's leadership skills will be something that evaluators love.

The physical abilities are also present, as Barkley doesn't lack arm strength or quickness. He doesn't have an elite arm, but it is above average. Barkley is able to generate good power on his throws while reaching all parts of the field.

Despite his experience, Barkley remains a work in progress. He has several holes in his overall technique, including footwork and balance. Barkley's accuracy is impacted by his inconsistent positioning, as he needs to do a better job setting his feet and shoulders towards the target.  At times, he holds the ball below his breast-plate, extending his release time.