2012 NFL Draft: Seahawks Reportedly Would Draft Ryan Tannehill at No. 12

Despite the fact that the Seattle Seahawks recently committed three years and $26 million to former Aaron Rodgers backup Matt Flynn, the team would still draft Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill at pick No. 12, according to Sports Illustrated's Peter King.

The likelihood of such a scenario is slim, as Tannehill is now widely-regarded as a top 10 selection based on his skill set and the premium NFL teams place on drafting quarterbacks early, something that has further escalated in recent years.  

But should Tannehill slip past Cleveland (No. 4), Miami (No. 8) and Kansas City (No. 11), King offers that we shouldn't be surprised if Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll pulls the trigger on the prospect who had him "giggling like a schoolgirl" during his Pro Day workout.  

There are a few layers of this to consider, as it's not exactly the most ringing endorsement of Flynn, a guy who flashed major potential in minimal playing time in Green Bay.

If Tannehill is added to the mix, would he have a fair shot to earn the starting job as a rookie, or does Carroll—despite his infatuation with the 23-year-old—still view him as a developmental prospect who will unseat Flynn down the line?

What does it say about the Seahawks overall view on Flynn? Understandably, many are waiting to see more from Flynn before rushing to a judgment on his NFL future, but $26 million is not the amount of money you invest in a player that you have doubts about.  

Perhaps the Seahawks are buying into the school of thought that Eagles head coach Andy Reid has popularized, a "the more the merrier" approach to quarterbacks. Despite a steep investment in Michael Vick as his starter and promising youngster Mike Kafka as his top reserve, Reid and the Eagles are another team recently linked to Tannehill, although King isn't convinced the interest is as strong as some believe. 

The Tannehill-to-Seattle chatter is one more compelling plot line to monitor in the final 10 days leading up the draft, but don't be surprised if King's report is the last we hear of this supposed interest.