2012 NFL Mock Draft: Analyzing QBs Who Still Have the Most to Prove

One reason why the NFL Scouting Combine is so important resides in knowing how much a draft prospect has developed since the end of the college football season.

In other words, a checkpoint in forecasting a players' readiness for the pros before they take the field. Obviously before the draft, a prospect's pro day would be the next checkpoint, so to speak.

That said, here's a look a few late-round quarterbacks who still have the most to prove.

Kellen Moore, Boise State

Not overly impressive in his combine results, but not terrible either. Boise State's Kellen Moore if anything, displayed the potential to make an impact, however, has a lot of room to grow.

His best attribute—a quick release—will definitely bode well in the NFL because his accuracy is second-to-none, however, the zip on the ball must improve than anything else.

To that end, Moore must develop quickly under center. Taking a lot of snaps in shotgun won't fly in the pros and despite his quick and accurate release, improved footwork in setting up passes is needed. In short, learning to drop back while keeping the ball up and his eyes downfield before making a decision.

Spending a lot of time in shotgun doesn't transition well to under center, so reading defenses with quick feet and improved mobility is imperative. Luckily for Moore, his leadership and coachability provides a franchise with excellent intangibles to build on.

Chandler Harnish, Northern Illinois

One thing that really makes Chandler Harnish appealing are his athletic tangibles. He's one of the quicker and more mobile quarterbacks with a decent arm and ability to scramble when needed.

Much like Moore though, Harnish did spend a good amount of time in the shotgun and did quite a bit of read-option. Still, despite all his success as a passer, runner and game-winner, Harnish has to quickly learn to read defenses.

Whether it's pre-snap to see coverages, make audibles, then after the snap to fake-pump while scanning through his progressions, Harnish can't rely on his legs every down. Provided that he gets put into a system needing a reliable backup, Harnish has the potential to cognitively develop with time.

Considering he has the size and athleticism to look the part, it's more mechanical than anything else. In other words, not the worst-case scenario since that's a tangible fix.

Case Keenum, Houston

The man has decent size for a quarterback, but his inflated college numbers are still ridiculously impressive nonetheless.

Houston's Case Keenum didn't have a poor showing at the combine, however, it wasn't nearly as impressive as his college production would have indicated. For starters, this is a guy who threw for over 5,000 yards in three different seasons.

Still, Keenum has reliable mobility, but much like Moore and Harnish, has spent limited time under center. Now, he does have a strong, accurate arm and sound mechanics in his throwing motion—not to mention his intangibles are great as a leader, winner and intelligent player.

Provided that Keenum can get quicker dropbacks, be a little more patient while in the pocket and consistently fit the rock into tighter spaces, he'll make some noise in the pros. His pro day will be one of the more interesting to watch.

2012 First-Round NFL Mock Draft

1. Indianapolis Colts: Andrew Luck, QB (Stanford)	17. Cincinnati Bengals (From OAK): Trent Richardson, RB (Alabama)
2. Washington Redskins (From STL): Robert Griffin III, QB (Baylor)	18. San Diego Chargers: Cordy Glenn, OG (Georgia)
3. Minnesota Vikings: Matt Kalil, OT (USC)	19. Chicago Bears: Dwayne Allen, TE (Clemson)
4. Cleveland Browns: Justin Blackmon, WR (Oklahoma State)	20. Tennessee Titans: Alshon Jeffery, WR (South Carolina)
5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Morris Claiborne, CB (LSU)	21. Cincinnati Bengals: Mike Adams, OT (Ohio State)
6. St. Louis Rams (From WAS): Riley Reiff, OT (Iowa)	22. Cleveland Browns (From ATL): Courtney Upshaw, LB (Alabama)
7. Jacksonville Jaguars: Michael Floyd, WR (Notre Dame)	23. Detroit Lions: Luke Kuechly, LB (Boston College)
8. Miami Dolphins: David DeCastro, G (Stanford)	24. Pittsburgh Steelers: Kendall Wright, WR (Baylor)
9. Carolina Panthers: Quinton Coples, DE (North Carolina)	25. Denver Broncos: Alfonzo Dennard, CB (Nebraska)
10. Buffalo Bills: Dre Kirkpatrick, CB (Alabama)	26. Houston Texans: Jerel Worthy, DT (Michigan State)
11. Kansas City Chiefs: Nick Perry, DE (USC)	27. New England Patriots (From NO): Whitney Mercilus, DE (Illinois)
12. Seattle Seahawks: Devon Still, DT (Penn State)	28. Green Bay Packers: Zach Brown, LB (North Carolina)
13. Arizona Cardinals: Jonathan Martin, OT (Stanford)	29. Baltimore Ravens: Dont'a Hightower, LB (Alabama)
14. Dallas Cowboys: Janoris Jenkins, CB (Northern Alabama)	30. San Francisco 49ers: Mark Barron, S (Alabama)
15. Philadelphia Eagles: Melvin Ingram, DE (South Carolina)	31. New England Patriots: Stephon Gilmore, CB (South Carolina)
16. New York Jets: Michael Brockers, DT (LSU)	32. New York Giants: Coby Fleener, TE (Stanford)

John Rozum on Twitter.