2012 NFL Draft Projections: Where Top 5 QBs Will End Up

If you're a franchise that is in need of a quarterback, you might want to pay attention. These are the quarterbacks that will be going in the first two rounds of April's draft. If your team needs a quarterback, there is a very good chance you'll see them mentioned here.  

Andrew Luck, Stanford, Indianapolis Colts: First Round

Luck is the clear-cut No. 1 pick. Time will tell whether the job is his in 2012 or if he'll have to wait until 2013, but this is not really up for debate. His will be the first name you hear called in the draft. If you're a Colts' fan, you might as well start pre-ordering his jerseys (if you haven't already).

Robert Griffin III, Baylor, Washington Redskins: First Round

There is a lot more mystery around this pick than the No. 1 pick. Trades will have a lot to do with where he goes in the draft and which team he plays for, but I can't look past one franchise in desperate need of a quarterback. 

The Washington Redskins haven't had a real franchise quarterback in a long time. Not coincidentally, they haven't been good during that stretch. They need to go hard in pursuit of Griffin. They may have to trade up to the No. 2 pick to do so, but it's worth it. Teams like the Browns have enough of a hole at the position to force the Redskins' hand in moving up. 

Whether it's via trade or they hold still, Griffin will be in Washington.

Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M, Miami Dolphins: Second Round

This is where things start to get really interesting. The Redskins effectively played their way out of the Andrew Luck/Robert Griffin III sweepstakes at the end of the year, but they still need a quarterback. Matt Moore is not a long-term option. 

What Moore can do, however, is to play another year while a youngster waits on the bench. That is what Tannehill needs, as he is not ready for the NFL next year. Remember that he threw 15 interceptions as a senior in college. That number is going to be exceptionally high if he plays early in 2012. 

Still, the athletic ability is obvious. 

Tannehill is a nice guy to groom. With him, the Dolphins will have a long-term plan at quarterback, something they haven't had in a long time.

If the Dolphins fall down in the standing as the season progresses, then we can look into giving Tannehill some reps. With Joe Philbin as the new head coach, Tannehill will be in a good situation to learn.

Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State, New York Jets, Second Round

While the Jets shouldn't look to replace Mark Sanchez, he can't be comfortable. Sanchez needs to have a sense of urgency and Weeden supplies that. 

He will be 29 in October, so we're not looking at teams that are going to be long projects. Weeden needs to be in a situation where he can win now, which describes the Jets perfectly. 

Sanchez would know that there is a legitimate player right behind him. If he falters or gets hurt, then Weeden is capable of stepping in. Remember that he did just throw for over 4,700 yards and 37 touchdowns at Oklahoma State. 

Brock Osweiler, Arizona State, Houston Texans, Second Round

When the Texans get back to full health, they are not a team with many pressing needs, they just need to add some depth. 

Matt Schaub has missed at least five games in all but two of his five seasons as the Texans' quarterback. He will also be 32 next season, so they do need to start thinking about an insurance policy. Osweiler is a fantastic insurance policy. 

He is a little raw but also has a big arm that threw for over 4,000 yards and 26 touchdowns last season. Given some time to learn under Schaub with quarterback guru Gary Kubiak as the head coach, Osweiler will be ready to shine in a year or two. 

When you don't need a lot, you can afford to take a pick based on potential. That is what this would be. 

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