NFL Draft 2012: Non-First-Round QBs Who Will Be Future Stars

The NFL draft will always have buzz focusing on the big-time quarterbacks. This year is no exception with Andrew Luck of Stanford and Robert Griffin III of Baylor. While these two will most likely go as the first two picks of the draft, there are other signal callers who are generating a bit of buzz within the NFL circles.

If there are any doubts about a non-first-round QB becoming an elite QB, look no further than Andy Dalton. He was picked in the second round last season and carried a mildly talented Cincinnati Bengals roster into the playoffs.

Here are four quarterbacks that will not be drafted in the first round that will have a serious impact at the next level.

Brandon Weeden

Based on pure talent, he has the tools to become a first-round pick. It is his age, however, that is the only hindrance for his stock. He will be turning 29 this October, which means he is older than many NFL quarterbacks including Aaron Rodgers.

His NFL career will certainly not be a long one, but he has displayed the tangible skills that can translate his college career into a successful NFL career.

In 2011, he completed 72 percent of his passes for 4,727 yards and 37 touchdowns against only 13 interceptions. He has displayed leaderships characteristics and led the Oklahoma State Cowboys to an impressive 11-1 record.

Most scouts will need to overlook the precedent of baseball prospects-turned-football, due to the disappointing career of Chris Weinke who did not have much of an impact as an NFL starter.

Weeden will most likely be selected in the second or third round by a team that is not looking for a franchise quarterback but perhaps a viable backup or a stop-gap option until they develop a more traditional college standout.

Brock Osweiler

The 6'7" junior impressed scouts with not only his incredible arm strength but also his mobility. While most quarterbacks are above 6'3", there are only two in the NFL listed at 6'6", and they are Derek Anderson and Joe Flacco.

If anyone was skeptical that his height would cause him to become immobile, his 4.70, 40 yard dash, as well as his 298 rushing yards debunks those theories.Osweiler also recorded three touchdowns on the ground which shows he has the ability to make plays with his legs when the play breaks down.

Osweiler has improved his stock with strong performances at the combine and has jumped over some other prospects along the way.

He does not have the accolades or incredible winning percentage of some of the other quarterbacks, but he will be drafted based on his projectability and size.

A playoff contender with a stable quarterback situation may look to draft him in the middle rounds to develop him for the future.

Nick Foles

The 6'5" gunslinger out of Texas helped his stock this season by overcoming his team's putrid defense to win a number of games.

Foles completed 69 percent of his passes for 4,334 yards and 28 touchdowns against 14 interceptions.

He must prove that he can cut down on his interceptions. Some scouts believe he has a tendency of staring down his target for too long. If he is brought into a system with a solid coaching staff, he should be able to improve on that deficiency.

As of now, he is projected to be in the mid rounds. He will most likely be taken behind Weeden but may be taken ahead of some of his competition due to his tremendous size and arm strength.

Kirk Cousins 

The 6'3" quarterback displayed above average accuracy but does not possess the gaudy statistics due to the Spartans style of offense. Many believe the system held back its talented quarterback.

Cousins completed 64 percent of his passes for 3,316 yards and 25 touchdowns against 10 interceptions.

He possesses the intangible leadership quality and may have the most similarities to Andy Dalton. If he is selected in the top three rounds, a team will be doing so with the expectation of having him step into the starting position.

While most of the attention will be centering on the heir to Peyton Manning's throne in Indianapolis and the Heisman Trophy winner from Baylor, there are several quarterbacks in this draft that can surprise many people and become stars. Not every star in the NFL was a highly touted prospect, and it is the job of the NFL insiders to highlight who can be the next Andy Dalton.