NFL Draft 2012: 5 Rookie Backup QBs the Green Bay Packers Can't Pass on

The Green Bay Packers will almost certainly take a quarterback in the upcoming 2012 NFL draft.

Matt Flynn is going to leave in free agency, and the team will have to pick one of the several available prospects to replace him.

Flynn was a seventh-round pick in 2008 and will be the most attractive QB on the market if Peyton Manning decides to stay with the Indianapolis Colts. 

The Packers have other needs that take priority in the draft, and will likely try to find another player with the same qualities as Flynn: a late-round pick with exceptional leadership qualities who can flourish while working under Aaron Rodgers.

Here are five quarterbacks who can be the next Matt Flynn (all players are projected by CBS Sports to be picked in Round 3 or later).

5. Kellen Moore, Boise State

Kellen Moore leads every quarterback in NCAA history in the most important statistic of all: wins.

The Boise State QB finished his collegiate career with a 50-3 record and was selected as an All-American twice. 

Moore is undersized at 5'11" and lacks elite arm-strength, but received top marks in the "intangibles" and "mental makeup" categories on his ESPN draft profile. He is projected to be a sixth- or seventh-round pick.

Moore may have the best value of any quarterback on this list, given that he will likely be taken off the board late. 

The Packers could use a proven winner like Moore on the roster and could get him for the low price of a seventh-round pick.

4. Kirk Cousins, Michigan State

Kirk Cousins led the Michigan State Spartans to an 11-3 record and an overtime victory over Georgia in the Outback Bowl in his senior season.

He threw for 3,316 yards and 25 touchdowns. Cousins threw 10 picks during the year, but just one in the fourth quarter.

The Spartan QB is a confident young man who is one of two players in Michigan State football history to be named a team captain as a sophomore. He does not shy away from the moment and is no stranger to fourth-quarter heroics (see video).

Despite his knack for coming through in the clutch, NFL scouts have shown concern over Cousins' decision-making abilities and he is projected as a third-round pick.

If he slips to the Packers late in the round, the team would be smart to grab him.

3. B.J. Coleman, Chattanooga

B.J. Coleman is a small-school prospect with raw talent and a perfect mindset for an NFL quarterback. 

He was a top-tier recruit out of high school and was recruited to Tennessee. He failed to get playing time for the Volunteers and transferred to nearby Chattanooga. 

Coleman had an impressive outing in the East-West Shrine Game and showed off his rocket arm and impressive mobility.

However, scouts have knocked him on his poor mechanics and inconsistent footwork, and he projected to come off the board in Round 5.

What has not been questioned is his character. Coleman has been an exemplary teammate and has been recognized for his volunteer work.

His raw talent and leadership qualities would make him an ideal player to become the new Packers backup QB.

2. Russell Wilson, Wisconsin

Russell Wilson has already won over fans in Wisconsin with his play for the Badgers, but he could continue to endear himself to residents of "America's Dairyland" if drafted by the Packers.

Wilson spent his first three years at NC State, but transferred to Wisconsin his senior year and lit up the Big Ten. Wilson's brief career in Madison featured an 11-3 season and an MVP-winning performance in the Big Ten Championship Game. 

His 33 touchdown passes last season is second in conference history behind Drew Brees' 39 TD tosses.

If the former Badgers standout were to become a starter in the NFL, he would take over for Brees as the shortest starting quarterback in the league. His 5'10" stature has caused him to be projected as a fifth- or sixth-round pick.

His home-state appeal, along with his ability to play bigger than he is, would make him an excellent value-pick for the Pack late in the draft.

1. Nick Foles, Arizona

At 6'5" and 244 pounds, Nick Foles possesses an ideal build for an NFL quarterback. In addition, he has been a tireless worker and reliable leader throughout his college career.

Foles originally chose to attend Michigan State, but transferred to Arizona after his freshman year and was extremely impressive for the Wildcats. His best season came as a senior when he led the Pac-12 in passing yards and completions.

Concerns over his lack of mobility have caused him to be projected as a third- or fourth-round pick.

Despite having limited scrambling ability, he has all the necessary physical qualities as well as the intangibles to become a prolific pocket-passer.

If the Green Bay Packers decide to take Foles and give him the opportunity to learn under Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers, the former Wildcat could one day be a star in the NFL.