2012 NFL Draft: Texas A&M QB Ryan Tannehill's Pro Day Guide

Few players are as controversial as Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill. While many dispute where he should be drafted, few argue that he is the third best signal-caller in this year's draft.

If that's true, he is in prime position to get over-drafted since the first and second picks will be Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III, respectively.

Three teams that are rumored to be seriously interested in drafting him are the Browns, Dolphins, and Bills. All of them will be watching very intently at Tannehill's pro day, and I'll give you a few key things they will be looking at.

1. Has he improved his pocket passing? If there is ever a time when a QB should look his best in the pocket, that would be his pro day. With no rush and a the plays scripted ahead of time, how many times can he lay the ball in the WR's hands deep, and how many times can he send the ball on a frozen rope along the sidelines?

Can he make a back shoulder throw consistently? His accuracy numbers tomorrow will represent what he can do on his best days and he still needs to prove that he can win with his arm as well as his feet.

2. Does he know when to run and when to stand tall and deliver the ball? If the A&M coaching staff really wants him to succeed they should perform a test similar to Stanford's "broom drill" earlier this week.

The broom was used to show how aware a quarterback was in the pocket, not only of the defender himself but his arm length. Tannehill may not be the most polished passer, but he has an incredible feel for pressure and he will frustrate defensive linemen at the next level.

3. They know he is athletic, but is he enough of a running threat where defenses will have to dedicate a spy to him? Tannehill doesn't need to be blisteringly fast in the 40, but an exceptionally quick 10-yard split would do wonders for his stock.

If defensive coordinators see that he can turn on the burners and get a first down with his feet in a 3rd-and-10 situation easily, then that is just an added benefit for the team that drafts him.

4. Can he convince me that he can be a franchise QB? The Browns, Dolphins, and Bills scouts will all watch his attitude and the way he holds himself throughout the practice to see if he has the look of an NFL franchise QB.

He needs to demonstrate poise, understanding of what they want, and confidence in everything from throwing Go routes to tying his shoelaces. He wants them to leave remembering him as an instant franchise quarterback, not a former wide receiver with some upside.

Pay attention, fans, because tomorrow could very well shape the top five picks this year. Not only that, but historically if you miss on a guy that you think can be a stud QB, it sets your team back three years.

Conversely, if you find a franchise guy in the draft, it can be a franchise-changing move that leads to an eventual dynasty.