2012 NFL Draft: Why the Philadelphia Eagles Should Draft QB in 1st 3 Rounds

The Philadelphia Eagles would do well to draft a quarterback early in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Some people, especially fans, think that it is too soon to be worrying about the quarterback position, and think it would be a waste of a pick.  I wholeheartedly disagree. 

It is much better to draft a quarterback too early than to draft one too late.  In a competitive NFC East, there is no margin for error, and addressing the quarterback position too late is a recipe for certain disaster.

There are numerous reasons why the Eagles should be drafting a QB this year.  Take your pick.

Looking Toward the Future

Dynasties are not born overnight.  They are the result of years of drafting the right players and bringing in the right coaches and free agents.  

So if the Philadelphia Eagles want to compete at a high level for years to come, they need to be thinking about the future right now.  They can take a step in that direction by drafting a quarterback early.

Starting quarterback Michael Vick isn't getting any younger, and likely only has a few good years left in him.  That makes finding the quarterback of the future a must.  

Trading up and drafting someone like Ryan Tannehill may seem like a dumb move now, especially considering that he will likely be riding the pine for much of the season.  But having him learn the ropes now will give him a better chance of developing into a solid starter once Vick is gone.

Michael Vick Is Injury-Prone

Speaking of Michael Vick, it is no secret that the quarterback's style of play tends to sideline him for at least one or two games a season.  In his nine-year career, Vick has only played in all 16 games once.

I am no betting man, but if I were, I would place my life savings on the wager that Vick does not make it through the entire 2012 season unscathed. 

Which means that the quarterbacks behind Vick have a very realistic chance of seeing the field at some point during the season.  If this is indeed the case, the team needs someone who can take over the reins and keep the team competitive.

Current Backups Are Insufficient

I talked about how the team needs someone behind Vick who can keep the team competitive.

Unfortunately, no one on the current roster fits that description.

Mike Kafka was drafted in hopes that he could develop into a solid backup, but at this point in his career he may not be ready.  The backup quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles is perhaps the most important backup in the league because there is a great chance that they see the field.

Kafka is not ready for that responsibility.

Nor is Trent Edwards, who was signed this offseason as insurance.  But as far as insurance goes, Edwards is more like the bare minimum than premium.

This Draft Class Is Deep

The Eagles need to draft a quarterback early this year, not only because it fills a need, but also because this may be the best year for drafting a quarterback.  The quarterback class this year is deep, perhaps more so than next year's class.

Aside from the big three—Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin III and Ryan Tannehill—there are at least three other quarterbacks who have the potential to develop into solid starters.

Brandon Weeden, Kirk Cousins and Brock Osweiler all have starting-caliber traits and can be had in the second or third rounds.  They may need a few years to reach their potential, but fortunately, they will have that luxury, as the Eagles have Vick penciled in as the starter, for at least a few more years.

And if Vick does go down, all three would likely be capable of starting one or two games effectively.

Of the three, Osweiler intrigues me the most.  He has ideal traits for a quarterback, but is very raw.  With the right coaching, however, he can hone his skills and eventually make it as a starter in the NFL.

Andy Reid Knows How to Groom a Quarterback

Speaking of finding the right coach to get the most out of a quarterback, there is perhaps no one better than Eagles head coach Andy Reid.

Criticize the man all you want, but Reid has a knack for getting the most out of his quarterbacks.  He did it with Donovan McNabb first, and more recently has done it with Michael Vick and Kevin Kolb. 

Granted, Kolb has been relatively lousy as an Arizona Cardinal, but that just speaks to how well Reid can scheme the offense around the strengths of his quarterback in order to get the most out of them.

Reid will have the chance to groom yet another quarterback, if the team were to draft one early.  And considering the talent of this year's draft class, it is likely that Reid will be able to make them into a starter.