Listing the Miami Dolphins' Top 5 QB Options If They Miss out on Matt Flynn

According to Dave Hyde of the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, the Miami Dolphins are expected to meet Matt Flynn this weekend:

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With Peyton Manning" class="taxInlineTagLink" id="PESPT004609">Peyton Manning moving into the rear-view mirror,the Dolphins have a scheduled visit with Matt Flynn this weekend. Flynn flew into Seattle on Thursday, and the question is what he'll do if theSeattle Seahawks" class="taxInlineTagLink" id="ORSPT000058">Seahawks make a can't-say-no offer. Sports Illustrated's Peter King said Seattle is "very serious" about Flynn.

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Have no fear, Dolphins fans, because there are other quarterbacks who can lead in 2012.

Yes, Flynn is a great fit, as he learned under new head coach Joe Philbin in Green Bay from 2008-2011. However, if Miami misses on Flynn, the Dolphins' quarterback situation could be much worse.

With that, here are the top five quarterbacks who could potentially lead Miami next season.

5. David Garrard

The Miami Dolphins need to consider David Garrard, simply because he'll provide them with a solid two or three years of play (minimum).

At age 34, Garrard missed the entire 2011 season but has the NFL experience and production worthy of another opportunity.

From 2006-2010, Garrard played in 69 games (started two full seasons in 2008 and 2009), had an average completion percentage of 62.44, connected on 81 touchdowns to just 50 picks and also ran for 11 touchdowns.

Between 2008 and 2009, Garrard averaged over 3,600 passing yards, totaled 646 rushing yards and had a quarterback rating of 82.6.

For his career, Garrard has a 85.8 rating, and yet he's been able to remain consistent without having the luxury of even one receiver earn a Pro Bowl selection (tight end Marcedes Lewis earned a Pro Bowl bid in 2010).

In Miami, Garrard's experience, leadership and reliability would improve the Dolphins' offense and buy them a few good years before going with a younger quarterback.

4. Brandon Weeden

Along the same lines as David Garrard, Oklahoma State's Brandon Weeden has age working against him.

Now, although Weeden is only 28 (turning 29 in October), in terms of  longevity, we're talking nine seasons maximum.

Still, that's more than the Dolphins would get out of Garrard, and Weeden is an expected second-rounder in the draft. With two full seasons as the Cowboys starter in 2010 and 2011, Weeden amassed over 9,000 yards, 71 touchdowns to 26 picks and a completion percentage just under 70 percent.

That's some pretty impressive production in two seasons, and Weeden also helped lead the Pokes to a 23-3 record during that span.

Yes, having the nation's best receiver in Justin Blackmon was of great assistance; however, Weeden's confidence in making tough throws and poise in the pocket has increased his potential. With great size and a strong arm, Weeden just needs to avert from becoming interception-prone.

Provided that Miami looks for a stud receiver in Round 1 or in the middle rounds, Weeden could develop quickly.

3. Matt Moore

Interestingly enough, Matt Moore is younger than Brandon Weeden and will only be turning 28 years old just before the 2012 season kicks off.

Moore, though, has been in the NFL since 2007 and after missing the entire 2008 season due to injury, he had a strong showing in 2009 with Carolina. There, Moore only played in seven games but threw eight touchdowns to just two picks, had over 1,000 passing yards and a 61.6 completion percentage.

After a down 2010 season, Moore came to Miami as Chad Henne's backup but became the starter after Henne's injury. Playing in 12 games (starting the final 11), Moore went 6-5 as a starter, completed 60.5 percent of his throws, had 16 touchdowns to nine picks, almost 2,500 yards and an 87.1 rating.

Considering that Miami was 0-3 when Moore took over, which had head coach Tony Sparano on the hot seat all year (eventually leading to the team firing him), this was an impressive performance.

Moore certainly earned himself an opportunity to—at the very least—compete for the starting job, regardless of who the Dolphins try to bring in. He has experience, a good arm, is more mobile than given credit for and stepped up in a tough situation.

No, he's not the most appealing option, but Moore is the front-runner in the "What have you done for us lately?" category. Otherwise, why would the Dolphins have parted ways with Chad Henne?

2. Ryan Tannehill

Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill, we have to anticipate, is on the Miami Dolphins' radar.

For one, he's considered a top 15 draft pick and being that he played for the Aggies, the Dolphins have a direct connection: new offensive coordinator Mike Sherman.

At Texas A&M, Sherman was the head coach from 2008-2011; Tannehill was his best player.

During their time together, the Aggies went just .500, but they went 15-10 in the final two seasons and finished ranked No. 21 in 2010. As for Tannehill, he actually played receiver during his freshman and sophomore seasons.

In 2008 and 2009, Tannehill caught 101 passes for 1,453 yards and scored nine touchdowns. Making the transition to quarterback during his junior year in 2010, Tannehill finished with over 1,600 yards, 13 touchdowns to six picks and a 65.0 completion percentage in just eight games.

When 2011 happened, Tannehill had full season numbers of over 3,700 yards, 23 touchdowns to 15 picks and 61.6 completion percentage. He also ran the rock 58 times for 306 yards and scored four touchdowns.

Tannehill has excellent size, mobility and a strong arm to develop into an NFL quarterback. Although it would be surprising to see him go in the top 15 because of injury concerns, Tannehill could just change into a receiver.

Doing so would make the Dolphins an interesting bunch, especially if they were to draft the next guy.

1. Kirk Cousins

Easily one of the most improved quarterbacks throughout his college career and the recent offseason, Michigan State's Kirk Cousins is perfect for the Miami Dolphins.

While with Sparty, Cousins was a three-year starter and led Michigan State to a record of 28-12 between 2009 through 2011.

His final two seasons, though, were most impressive, as Sparty went 22-5, were co-Big Ten champs in 2010 and runners-up in 2011. Michigan State finished ranked No. 10 last season and Cousins has risen up the draft ranks after strong showings during the Senior Bowl week and NFL combine.

For his career, Cousins displayed gradual improvement, but he impressed with accuracy, timing, better-than-given-credit-for mobility and arm strength. He compiled over 8,800 yards, had 64 touchdowns to just 29 picks and a completion percentage of 63.67 as a starter.

Cousins also, though, never had the luxury of a standout receiver like Brandon Weeden, and he was part of a pro-style offense in getting good reps from under center.

Possessing a high football IQ, great intangibles and continuous improvement through this offseason, Cousins is great for Miami and even more so if they get him a stud receiver.

John Rozum on Twitter.