2012 NFL Draft Order: Which Teams Are in Need of a Franchise QB?

In the NFL, teams fall into one of two groups: Either you have a franchise quarterback on your roster, or you're frantically chasing after one through the draft or free agency. It's that simple.

To win these days, you have to have a player at that position that can win you football games. While a large majority of teams do have a good starter or young player they are developing, a good number do not.

As we begin the offseason for 20 teams and each day crawl closer to the NFL draft, let's take a look at the current teams that need a franchise quarterback:

1. Indianapolis Colts (2-14)

The uncertainty surrounding Peyton Manning's health, plus his advanced age (35 years old), makes it necessary for the Colts to invest in their future at the quarterback position. The overwhelming consensus says that Indianapolis will select Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck with the No. 1 overall pick.

2. St. Louis Rams (2-14) 

3. Minnesota Vikings (3-13)

4. Cleveland Browns (4-12)

Browns president Mike Holmgren still hasn't committed to Colt McCoy as his franchise quarterback, which is as good a sign as any that Cleveland could be looking at drafting at that position early in the 2012 NFL draft. If they have to, I wouldn't be surprised if the Browns used some of the draft capital to draft Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III. 

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12)

6. Washington Redskins (5-11)

The Redskins are in a tough position. The need for a franchise quarterback is obvious, but there may not be a guy worth drafting if they stay at pick No. 6. Andrew Luck is out of the question, and Robert Griffin III likely won't get past No. 4. If Washington doesn't want to trade up, it may have to settle with a free agent like Green Bay's Matt Flynn. 

7. Jacksonville Jaguars (5-11)

8. Miami Dolphins (6-10)*

The Dolphins organization has to impressed with Matt Moore and what he did over the last half of the season, but I'm not sure he's anything more than a short-term answer. To be honest, Miami has needed a franchise quarterback since Dan Marino retired. It may be time to make the move up to get one early.

8. Carolina Panthers (6-10)*

10. Buffalo Bills (6-10)

11. Seattle Seahawks (7-9)**

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll has stuck by Tarvaris Jackson, but at some point Seattle will need to draft a player they can develop at the quarterback position. USC's Matt Barkley would have been a great fit had he come out. Maybe next season. I'm not sure I'd bank on the Seahawks making a move at quarterback this offseason.   

11. Kansas City Chiefs (7-9)**

13. Arizona Cardinals (8-8)

14. Dallas Cowboys (8-8) 

15. Philadelphia Eagles (8-8) 

16. New York Jets (8-8)

17. Cincinnati Bengals (from Oakland) (8-8)

18. San Diego Chargers (8-8)

19. Chicago Bears (8-8)

20. Tennessee Titans (9-7)

21. Denver Broncos (8-8)

I don't care if you love Tim Tebow or hate him. He isn't a long-term answer for the Broncos at quarterback. If Denver wants to be 6-10 or 8-8 every year over the next decade, then maybe you stick with him. But if the Broncos want to be Super Bowl contenders, improvements at that position must be made. 

22. New York Giants (9-7)

23. Cincinnati Bengals (9-7)

24. Detroit Lions (10-6) 

25. Cleveland Browns (from Atlanta Falcons)

26. Houston Texans (10-6)

27. Pittsburgh Steelers (12-4)

28. Baltimore Ravens (12-4) 

29. New England Patriots (from New Orleans)

30. San Francisco 49ers (13-3)

31. New England Patriots (13-3)

32. Green Bay Packers (15-1)

* Coin flip between Dolphins/Panthers

** Coin flip between Seahawks/Chiefs

*** Picks 21-32 determined by playoff results