2012 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting Landing Spots for Andrew Luck and Top QBs

There are four quarterbacks eligible for the 2012 NFL draft who have the potential of going in the first round. Though two of them are locks and the other two may or may not end up being selected in the first round, all four are the top quarterback prospects in this year's draft.

Andrew Luck, Stanford

Barring a serious injury in Monday night's Fiesta Bowl, Stanford's Andrew Luck won't just be the top quarterback selected in the 2012 NFL draft, he'll be the No. 1 overall pick, most likely heading to the Indianapolis Colts as the ultimate successor to future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning.

This season, Luck has thrown for 3,170 yards, 35 touchdowns and nine interceptions and has rushed 43 times for 153 yards and two additional scores. He's got a strong arm, impressive accuracy and can read defenses like a pro.

More than any other quarterback of this year's draft class, Luck is capable of starting in his rookie year and performing successfully. The Colts should be pleased that this is the year they ended with the league's worst record, if they were to ever befall such a fate.

Robert Griffin III, Baylor

While Andrew Luck is more of a traditional passing quarterback than anything, Baylor's Robert Griffin III is a more modern, hybrid quarterback who is a major threat throwing the ball and running with it.

The 2011 Heisman Trophy winner, Griffin went 267-of-369 this season for 3,998 yards, 36 touchdowns and just six interceptions. He also rushed 161 times for 644 yards and nine more touchdowns.

Wherever Griffin goes in this year's draft, he's likely to make an immediate impact. One part Cam Newton, one part Drew Brees, Griffin is projected to have quite the spectacular NFL career if his professional production equals that of his college years.

The St. Louis Rams, who possess the No. 2 overall pick in this year's draft and also have themselves a franchise quarterback in Sam Bradford, may entertain trade offers for the pick from teams interested in snagging Griffin. I see the Miami Dolphins as the best spot for him, and though the Cleveland Browns may also make a move for him, I'm predicting that he goes to the Washington Redskins.

Landry Jones, Oklahoma

Oklahoma's Landry Jones is likely to be a first-round draft pick, especially considering how many teams have need at the quarterback position. However, it's also quite possible that he chooses to stay in college for another year.

If he does declare for the draft, though, Jones has some serious upside that makes him worthy of a rookie-year start. He's good at throwing back-shoulder passes (all the rage in the NFL these days), is relatively accurate and has a strong arm.

He could improve at reading defenses, and he's error-prone when faced with pressure. However, with proper coaching, Jones should rise to the challenge of the NFL game and perform well.

In 2011, Jones completed 339 of his 537 passes for 4,302 yards, 28 scores and 14 interceptions. Those interceptions and relatively low completion percentage will likely prevent him from being a top-10 pick, but Jones should go in the first round to the Miami Dolphins, Washington Redskins or Seattle Seahawks.

Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M

Quarterback Ryan Tannehill of Texas A&M has seen his draft stock rise and fall all season long, with his true value likely unknown until after the Senior Bowl and Scouting Combine have wrapped.

However, I can see him going late in the first round or early in the second round of this year's NFL draft, especially if teams' attitudes towards quarterbacks in the 2011 Draft are any indication. 

Tannehill is a project quarterback who would be better served to sit out his rookie season. While he's got a number of things going for him, like a big arm and a great short- and intermediate-passing game, he's got a lot of work to do to bring his game into the professional level.

Tannehill has inconsistent throwing mechanics, is prone to staring down receivers and often has problems reading defenses. These things can be taught, but it would be better for Tannehill to learn them behind a veteran for a year rather than picking them up in in-game situations.

In 2011, Tannehill threw for 3,415 yards, 28 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Impressively mobile, he's carried the ball 55 times this season for 296 yards and four touchdowns.

As Texas A&M's starter for just two seasons—spending the prior two as a wide receiver—Tannehill has improved a lot. I see the New York Jets using their first-round pick on him, hoping that he will be ready to supplant the struggling Mark Sanchez in 2013.