2012 NFL Draft: What the Latest Buzz Surrounding Ryan Tannehill Means

Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill has been the 2012 NFL Draft's hottest name since he aced his pro day. Rumors about his potential landing spot have been flying fast and furious over the last few days.

The first three picks in this year's draft are all but set, with Andrew Luck going to the Colts at No. 1, Robert Griffin III landing in Washington at No. 2 and Matt Kalil likely headed to the Minnesota Vikings at No. 3. Tannehill could come off the board at almost any spot after that, mostly because any team that falls in love with him will likely find willing trade partners in possession of the ensuing picks. 

On Wednesday, Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay tweeted that Tannehill is a hidden gem in this draft. He implied that the team that wants him would likely need to trade up to No. 3 in order to acquire him. He may be right. 

Meanwhile, NFL Network analyst Brian Billick went on ESPN's Mike and Mike in the Morning radio show and claimed that Tannehill's rise reminds him of JaMarcus Russell. Frankly, I think that comparison is ridiculous, simply because there were always concerns about Russell's weight and commitment. Tannehill is a hard-working, dedicated kid who has never been questioned in that regard.

Russell's downfall had nothing to do with his natural gifts turning out to be less impressive than originally thought; it was a direct result of his awful off-the-field habits and a lack of commitment. 

All of this chatter concerning Tannehill is causing all sorts of reactions around the league, and that could have an effect on where he gets drafted.

The Cleveland Browns own the fourth pick in the draft, and while they have publicly committed to current starter Colt McCoy, they could decide Tannehill is a future star and well worth their fourth selection.

The problem for Cleveland is that either Alabama running back Trent Richardson or Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon would fill a major need and could contribute immediately. Most experts agree that Tannehill won't see the field in his first professional season. In the end, it seems like the only way the Browns will take Tannehill is if he somehow remains on the board at the announcement of the 22nd overall pick, which also belongs to Cleveland. 

The Miami Dolphins own the No. 8 pick, and while some feel that may be "overpaying" to acquire Tannehill, if he winds up being the team's franchise signal-caller, he would be a steal at that spot.

Again, Tannehill probably won't play until 2013 because he only made 19 career starts at quarterback in college. He transitioned from wide receiver during his junior year and started under center for the final year and a half with the Aggies. He is incredibly raw at the position, but has all the tools teams look for in a franchise quarterback.

While his inexperience is certainly a drawback to taking Tannehill, his former college coach, Mike Sherman, is Miami's new offensive coordinator. And the team's new head coach, Joe Philbin, has shown the ability to develop quarterbacks. In Green Bay, Philbin oversaw the development of both Aaron Rodgers and Matt Flynn.

The Dolphins remain the most natural fit for Tannehill if he's still on the board at No. 8.

The Kansas City Chiefs don't seem thrilled with how inconsistent Matt Cassel has been over the past few seasons, and they might be looking for a long-term upgrade. The Chiefs own the 11th pick in the draft, but earlier in the offseason, general manager Scott Pioli implied that he wouldn't be trading up. But that may have just been posturing.

Kansas City had Tannehill in for a workout on April 3, which shows they are at least doing their due diligence on him.

The Chiefs would almost certainly have to trade up to No. 3 or No. 7 to land Tannehill, and the price would be steep. Given that Pioli comes from the New England Patriots' school of drafting, he's more likely to trade down and stockpile picks than trade up and surrender them. 

If Tannehill somehow falls to No. 11, I could see the Chiefs snagging him, but I seriously doubt he lasts past Miami at No. 8.