2012 NFL Draft: Top 5 QBs and When They Will Come off the Board

With the NFL combine just days away and pro days not far behind, the 2012 NFL Draft is coming into focus. 

As with every year the quarterback group in the 2012 draft is facing, and will continue to face, intense scrutiny as teams try to determine which quarterbacks can lead the way to future Super Bowls.

At the top of the class is Andrew Luck who has been hailed as one of the best quarterback prospects to come out of college.  Behind Luck is Robert Griffin III who shot up draft boards this past season due to his dual threat ability.  After that there is a steep drop off and differing opinions as to who the best remaining quarterback prospects are. 

This slideshow will take a look at the five best quarterback prospects in the NFL draft and when they will be selected.

Andrew Luck, QB Stanford

Stanford star quarterback Andrew Luck shocked many in the draft community last year when he spurned the NFL Draft to return to Stanford for his junior season. 

After another stellar season, in which he guided the Cardinal to the Fiesta Bowl, Luck declared for the draft and instantly became the odds-on favorite for the first overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft.

The reason for Luck becoming the likely number pick in the draft is simple.  Luck has no obvious weaknesses.  Physically speaking, Luck has the ideal stature of an NFL quarterback, 6’4” 235 pounds, with a strong arm and clean release. 

In addition to his strong arm Luck is an incredibly accurate passer with an over 70 percent completion rating in his last two seasons.  Finally, Luck led a pro-style offensive attack at Stanford, which means he won’t enter the NFL with doubts about his ability to transition to NFL style offenses.

Off the board: First overall pick.

Even with the ongoing Peyton Manning saga and increased talks between the two sides, it would be a draft shocker if the Colts chose not to pick Luck.  With the injury concerns of Peyton Manning, not to mention his enormous contract, the Colts will be hard pressed to pass on Luck.

Robert Griffin III, QB Baylor

Behind Robert Griffin III the Baylor Bears returned to football prominence in 2011.  Opposing defenses were simply no match for the 2011 Heisman Trophy winner as Griffin used his elite dual threat abilities to carry Baylor to a 10-3 record.

With world-class speed in addition to solid throwing ability, whichever team drafts Griffin will be hoping for an effect similar to Cam Newton’s this past season.  Griffin in 2011 showed improved accuracy especially on deep balls.  Of chief concern to teams considering drafting Griffin is his unfamiliarity with pro-style offenses, Griffin operated out of a spread offense at Baylor.

Off the board: Top five picks.

The drop off between Griffin and the next best quarterback prospect is steep, so Griffin figures to be in high demand.  The two teams drafting behind the Colts, the St. Louis Rams and Minnesota Vikings, are committed to young quarterbacks.  This means that they could be potential trading partners to a team looking to move up and draft Griffin.

The Washington Redskins are one of the teams that need an upgrade at QB and could be willing to trade up for the rights to select Griffin.  If the Redskins don’t trade up for Griffin, the next logical team would be the Cleveland Browns who hold the fourth pick. 

Ryan Tannehill, QB Texas A&M

Despite missing the Senior Bowl with an injury, Tannehill has seen his draft stock rise in recent weeks.  Similar to Griffin, Tannehill is an elite athlete who is still developing as a quarterback.  He led his team in receptions his freshman and sophomore seasons at Texas A&M. 

With only 19 starts as a collegiate quarterback and coming from a spread offense, Tannehill is a quarterback that will need time to learn the nuances of the NFL. 

That being said, Tannehill warrants consideration for a first-round pick due to his potential.  Despite the transition from wide receiver to quarterback Tannehill showed a strong arm, good accuracy and mobility in the pocket.

Off the Board: Mid-late first round.

As with most players in the draft, it is difficult to project where Tannehill might end up.  His upside is considerable but Tannehill is also a risky prospect, mainly due to his inexperience as a starting quarterback. Due to the drop off after Luck and Griffin, teams may be forced to reach for Tannehill in the mid-first round area. 

Brock Osweiler, QB Arizona State

In his only season as the starting quarterback at Arizona State, Brock Osweiler left his mark by becoming the first Arizona State quarterback to pass for over 4,000 yards.    

Osweiler is an intriguing prospect mainly due to his height, he stands 6’8”, and for the fact that he only started 15 games in his collegiate career.  Despite only having 15 starts, Osweiler has drawn the eyes of scouts due to his arm strength, accuracy and quick release.   

Off the board: Early-mid second round.

Much like Tannehill, Osweiler is a risky prospect due to his lack of experience and the fact that he comes from a spread offense.  Still, with the lack of quarterback options out there it seems likely that a team needing a quarterback will select Osweiler in the second round.

Brandon Weeden, QB Oklahoma State

Coming off a strong showing at the Senior Bowl, Oklahoma State’s Brandon Weeden has seen his stock gain ground in recent weeks.  In his last two seasons in Stillwater, Weeden threw for over 9,500 yards and 68 touchdowns. 

While Weeden undoubtedly benefited from the pass-happy offense of Oklahoma State, he did flash a strong arm, good pocket presence and defense recognition.  Despite being 28 years old, (he played five years of minor league baseball prior to Oklahoma State) Weeden will likely be selected in the top three rounds of the NFL draft.

Off the board: Third round.

If not for Weeden’s age, injury history and arm issues while playing baseball, Weeden could arguably be the third-best quarterback prospect in this draft.  Although his age will hold him back, the other quarterback options also have their own flaws, which will lead to Weeden getting selected in the third round.