2012 NFL Draft: 5 Quarterbacks Who Could Be Next Tim Tebow

Just like critics said that Tim Tebow couldn't be successful in the NFL, draft analysts for the 2012 class seem to see very little promise at quarterback outside of Robert Griffin III and Andrew Luck.

While there may not be others at the position who are ready to step in and produce, there are five that can prove the analysts wrong in similar fashion to the way Tebow has done the past few seasons.

Here are five quarterbacks that could turn out to be the next Tebow and go on to have successful NFL careers.

Jordan Jefferson, LSU

Last night's BCS Championship game sure isn't going to help Jordan Jefferson's draft stock or my argument, but there's no denying the kid has talent.

If you're looking for a quarterback who mirrors Tebow in the box score, than Jefferson is your guy. He had just one game his senior season with double-digit completions, but that was partially due to his ability to leave the pocket and rush for positive yards.

2010 was a far more productive year for the quarterback. He had 450 rushing yards, which broke Nelson Stokley's 1969 school record. He also matched a school record with seven rushing touchdowns. His playmaking through the air has been been few and far between, but he could impress if he gets a shot in the NFL.

Kellen Moore, Boise State

Boise State quarterback Kellen Moore may not have had the honor of playing for a BCS Championship game during his career, but he put together a phenomenal 2011.

Moore was one of the finalists for this year's Heisman Trophy award, becoming the first from his school to be invited to the ceremony. The Touchdown Club of Columbus (Ohio) named him the nation's top quarterback, and he lead the Broncos to a victory in the MAACO Bowl over Arizona State.

CBS Sports currently has Moore as the 11th-best quarterback in the draft, perhaps due to his near 4,000 passing yards and 35 touchdowns on the year.

Moore has shown the ability to shine in the bigger moments during his Boise State career, and he will carry that over into his pro years. 

Case Keenum, Houston

Just above Kellen Moore in CBS' rankings is Houston quarterback Case Keenum, who continued to rewrite his school record books in 2011.

In his last game in a Houston uniform, he lead his team to victory with 532 passing yards and three touchdowns, defeating Penn State in the TicketCity Bowl.

He is just the second NCAA Division I quarterback to throw for over 5,000 yards in his career, joining Texas Tech's Graham Harrell. This season, the Cougars finished 13-1, a school record for victories in a season and good for the No. 20 overall national ranking.

Keenum has shown the ability to drop back and deliver all the throws a coach could ask of him and would be a fine fit in any pro system.

Russell Wilson, Wisconsin

Russell Wilson spent the majority of his college career at North Carolina State, but shined in 2011 with Wisconsin.

Wilson posted just four interceptions all year, boasting 31 touchdowns through the air and another five on the ground. The Badger had just one season, with less than 3,000 yards passing during his college career, and was able to put together a 72 completion percentage upon switching to Wisconsin.

There's no reason why someone as talented as Wilson cannot become a competent quarterback in the pros if given some seasons to learn the ropes of the NFL. 

Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M

With Landry Jones and Matt Barkley returning to school for their 2012 seasons, Texas A&M's Ryan Tannehill has been jumping up the quarterback rankings.

Like Tim Tebow, Tannehill has struggled with accuracy over his career. Not so much in the short and medium passing range, but when he loads up to throw a deep bomb the football can sail on him at times.

He has the ability to feel the pressure well when in the pocket, which often leads to check-down decisions. This is fine at the college level, and whichever team that drafts the Aggie will likely spend time developing him to perfect his decision-making. Bleacher Report's own Matt Miller believes he most resembles Ryan Fitzpatrick at the pro level.

He threw for over 3,400 yards this season, with a 61.1 completion percentage. If Tannehill can land himself on a team like the Miami early in the second round, then there's a good chance he'll get the opportunity somewhere down the line to prove his ability at the next level.