NFL Draft 2012: How Matt Flynn's Signing with Seattle Shakes Up the Draft

Matt Flynn just put his fingerprints all over April's NFL Draft.

I'm sure it was unintentional on his part, but Flynn's recent agreement with the Seattle Seahawks will have seismic effects on the upcoming draft.

As ESPN's Adam Schefter first reported, the former seventh-round pick has agreed to a three-year, $26 million deal with the Seahawks.

"

Filed to ESPN: Matt Flynn has agreed to terms witj Seattle on a 3-yr contract worth up to $26M w/$10M guaranteed.

"

"— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 18, 2012"

"
"

With his decision, Flynn added his name to a long list of figures who have spurned the Miami Dolphins in recent years. He also rearranged some puzzle pieces that make up the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft.

Here's how Flynn's decision will affect the Draft Day decisions of the following teams.

Miami Dolphins

With Flynn and Peyton Manning rejecting them like an undesirable prom date, the Dolphins have turned their attention towards wooing Alex Smith.

But if that fails—and based on Miami's recent luck, I'm assuming it will—they will have to reach for Ryan Tannehill in the draft or put up with another year of Matt Moore.

Personally, I would just use eighth pick to draft one of the elite defensive linemen, like Quinton Coples or Melvin Ingram, then address quarterback needs next offseason. You could have a much worse starting quarterback than Moore (see: Grossman, Rex) and I'm not completely sold on Tannehill.

He has all the physical tools, but his understanding of the position leaves something to be desired. I wouldn't draft him at No. 8, and I sure as hell wouldn't trade up any higher to draft him, as Sports Illustrated's Peter King suggested the Dolphins may have to do.

Seattle Seahawks

By locking up Flynn, the Seahawks now have the opportunity to address another need with the 12th overall pick.

They desperately need another pass rusher, so they'll take a long look at Coples and Ingram if they're available. Nick Perry of USC is also an option, as his explosiveness off the line of scrimmage would be a welcome addition in Seattle.

If the Seahawks decide to go a different route, inside linebacker Luke Kuechly could be a great fit. The Boston College product is a tackling machine, using his speed, strength and unparalleled instincts to corral offensive players.

Denver Broncos

The Broncos weren't in the running for Matt Flynn, but his decision still has drastic effects on their Draft Day strategy.

John Elway is practically begging for someone to replace Tim Tebow, and if Peyton Manning turns them down, Elway will look to add a young QB early in the draft.

With Flynn going Seattle, the chances of Miami selecting Ryan Tannehill have increased exponentially. That means Brock Osweiler, the fourth best quarterback in this class, likely won't be available when Denver is up with the 25th pick.

If Manning signs elsewhere, don't be surprised if Denver trades up a few spots to secure their quarterback of the future.