Ryan Tannehill: Rising Stock Will Kill QB's Career

Ryan Tannehill has all the physical tools to be a successful NFL quarterback. Coming from the Texas A&M Agees as a wide receiver-turned-quarterback, Tannehill's athleticism is unquestioned.

However, this year's draft isn't deep with sure-fire starting quarterbacks. This circumstance will tempt teams and general managers to reach in the draft.

Tannehill's physical prowess plus a team need for a franchise quarterback increases his stock before the draft. With these inflated products coming into play, it creates higher expectations for Tannehill to fulfill in the NFL. The Texas A&M product is capable of succeeding in the NFL, but not capable of shouldering the load of carrying an NFL franchise.

The Miami Dolphins and Cleveland Browns are front-runners to land Tannehill in the draft on Thursday. Both teams lack any reliable weapons at wide receiver or tight end. A rookie quarterback's best friend is a quality option to throw to. Without either at Tannehill's disposal, he could struggle with either of these teams as a starter.

Franchise quarterbacks are capable of making the players around him better. Tannehill is a bit of a project quarterback that won't turn Brown's receivers like Mohamed Massaquoi into a Pro Bowl player. The lack of a game breaker on the outside could hurt Tannehill's development if he struggles to vibe with his receivers.

Tannehill realistically is a second-talent with a chance to be a first-round selection. Christian Ponder had the same fate as the Minnesota Vikings reached to draft him last year with No. 12 pick. With less than impressive receivers at Ponder's disposal, he struggled in his rookie campaign, including getting benched against the Detroit Lions late in the season.

Tannehill needs to be brought along slowly, but a team like Miami will look to use him right away.

There are no better long-term options in front of Tannehill, meaning the Dolphins would hope he revives the franchise if selected in the first round. Potential is obviously visible when watching Tannehill, but he isn't ready to live up to the expectations placed on him.