2012 NFL Draft: Landing Spots and Bold Predictions for Top QBs

There are three "top" quarterbacks in the 2012 NFL Draft class. Two of them will be off the board in the first two picks, and the third will very likely be gone in the top 10.

Who they are—Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III and Ryan Tannehill—is no mystery and where they're going—Indianapolis, Washington and Miami, respectively—is just as well-documented.

What each of these quarterbacks will achieve in their rookie years, however, remains to be seen.

We also have a few fringe first-round/early second-round guys with endless intrigue.

Brandon Weeden is arguably the most NFL-ready, but he's also 28 years old. Brock Osweiler is as tall as a tower and has both athleticism and upside, but he won't be ready to contribute immediately. Nick Foles is a gifted passer with a lot still to learn, and Kirk Cousins has limited potential but also the leadership and intangibles to be an NFL starter.

What will the "top" quarterbacks do this year and where will the others land?

Let's take a look.

Andrew Luck, Stanford

Landing Spot: Indianapolis Colts

Bold Prediction: Will Win Offensive Rookie of the Year

The Colts would be foolish to pass on Luck in favor of RGIII. Not just because the Heisman Trophy winner declined to work out for them, but because this fascination people have with the Baylor quarterback being better than Luck is absolutely absurd.

Luck's most direct competition for ROY honors will more than likely come from RGIII and Trent Richardson, but the new Colts QB will make an immediate impact and will quickly make use of Reggie Wayne.

In light of the last NFL season in Indy, Luck's impact will be astounding.

Robert Griffin III, Baylor

Landing Spot: Washington Redskins

Bold Prediction: Will Win No More Than Six Games

Arguably, the Washington Redskins play in the toughest division in football.

The reigning champion New York Giants have one of the best passing attacks in all of football and could be even better this year. The Cowboys and Eagles, meanwhile, will be back with a vengeance.

The thing that will doom RGIII in his rookie campaign is the fact that Big Blue, Big D and Philly are three of the best pass-rushing teams in all of football. The Heisman Trophy-winning QB is a pass-first guy, but he'll need all of his speed and athleticism just to stay alive.

Unfortunately, Dallas and New York have plenty of experience with that type of quarterback, having dealt with Michael Vick in the past few years.

Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M

Landing Spot: Miami Dolphins

Bold Prediction: Will Help Dolphins Compete for Wild Card

The AFC East is simply a battle for second place behind the Patriots.

Fortunately for Miami, the Jets got worse this offseason by inviting the fox into the hen house, and soon enough, that locker room will completely implode—again—with two starting quarterbacks.

The Bills are hit-or-miss again, but the Dolphins still have a very capable defense and their running game should improve this season as the line continues to gel together.

Miami may not have a go-to receiver now, but if Reggie Bush and Daniel Thomas stay healthy, the Dolphins will be able to give Tannehill some help.

I expect him to surprise people this year.

Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State

Landing Spot: Cleveland (2nd Round)

Bold Prediction: Will Unseat Colt McCoy As Starter

This may not be very bold, but the Browns have two first-round picks and could essentially add a superstar running back and possibly another receiver to their offense.

At the very least, Cleveland will get one new offensive playmaker (offensive line could easily be a pick for them with their second first-round selection), and that will help them immediately.

But McCoy has not been challenged by the likes of Weeden—sorry, Seneca Wallace and Jake Delhomme—so Cleveland has known nothing else since his draft selection. 

It may not happen right away, but Weeden will eventually start in Cleveland.

Brock Osweiler, Arizona State

Landing Spot: Denver Broncos (2nd Round)

Bold Prediction: Will Be Drafted in the Second Round

The reviews on Osweiler are as mixed as any in the draft. Some have said he's a potential late first-round pick while others have maintained he's nothing more than a developmental prospect.

One this is for sure, he's not ready to start this season.

So, what better place to learn than behind Peyton Manning?

Nick Foles, Arizona

Landing Spot: Pittsburgh Steelers (2nd or 3rd Round)

Bold Prediction: Will Be Groomed as Potential Starter One Day

Ben Roethlisberger has a history of injuries and is already entering his ninth season in the league. Foles, also a big-bodied quarterback with a live arm, isn't ready to start right now.

The Steelers have gotten by with the likes of Charlie Batch and Byron Leftwich as backups, but Foles is a guy the team can develop as its own.

Kirk Cousins, Michigan State

Landing Spot: Kansas City Chiefs (3rd or 4th Round)

Bold Prediction: Won't See the Field This Year

The Chiefs are in the market for another potential signal-caller, and Cousins has all the qualities teams look for in a great teammate and potential backup who can step in immediately. 

Cousins could be a starter for teams worse off under center, and in Kansas City he will have a chance to potentially see the field if things go awry.

Things are going to be better at Arrowhead this year, though, and it won't hurt Cousins if he gets a chance to sit and watch for a season.