Browns Quarterback Watch: Week 12 Rankings for Top 2014 Draft QB Prospects

Welcome to the Cleveland Browns Week 12 college quarterback watch. 

The top nine 2014 QB NFL draft prospects, according to CBSSports.com, will be ranked weekly here on Bleacher Report to determine who would best fit this Cleveland organization. A 10th "wild card" option is added in as a potential later-round developmental project for the Browns.

Since the franchise returned in 1999, it has had 20 different starting quarterbacks. Browns Backers worldwide are praying that this front office, led by CEO Joe Banner, can finally get it right.

Name & Ranking	School	Passing Touchdowns	Interceptions	Passing Yards	Rushing Yards	Completion Percentage
1. Teddy Bridgewater	Louisville	0	0	203	-20	65.5
2. Marcus Mariota	Oregon	3	0	288	-18	73.1
3. Johnny Manziel	Texas A&M	No Game	No Game	No Game	No Game	No Game
4. Derek Carr	Fresno State	No Game	No Game	No Game	No Game	No Game
5. Zach Mettenberger	LSU	No Game	No Game	No Game	No Game	No Game
6. Brett Hundley	UCLA	2	0	159	15	59.1
7. Tajh Boyd	Clemson	4	1	340	43	76.9
8. A.J. McCarron	Alabama	2	2	187	12	56.3
9. Aaron Murray	Georgia	2	1	415	37	67.3
13. Logan Thomas (Wildcard)	Virginia Tech	2	0	210	-17	61.3

Wild Card: Logan Thomas

A projected fifth- or sixth-round pick, Logan Thomas possesses the combined throwing power and speed to extend plays with his legs that the Browns' coaching staff would love.

At a mighty 6'6" and 257 pounds, this raw talent out of Virginia Tech can be brilliant or incredibly frustrating in his performances. His 15 touchdowns, 12 interceptions and 58.3 completion percentage emphasize that inconsistency.

However, the senior is on an upward trend over the past two games, and continued improvements would lead to a rise in his draft stock.

The Hokies signal-caller threw for four combined scores in those matchups and did not turn the ball over. Thomas' completion percentages were also above his seasonal average in the win over Miami (80.6) and overtime loss against Maryland (61.3).

Power Rankings: Week 12 

The below power rankings are based on what quarterback's skill set and statistics to date would be most suitable for Cleveland offensive coordinator Norv Turner's aggressive vertical downfield game plan.

Ideal criteria includes an accurate arm with deep ball strength, quick decision-making ability as well as some mobility in and out of the pocket.

Name & Ranking	School	Height/Weight	2013 TD/INT	2013 Passing Yards	2013 Completion Percentage	2013 Passer Rating
1. Derek Carr	Fresno State	6'3"/218	32/4	3,421	69.5	152.3
2. Zach Mettenberger	LSU	6'5"/230	20/7	2,733	65.7	176.6
3. Marcus Mariota	Oregon	6'4"/211	25/0	2,819	64.2	176.2
4. Aaron Murray	Georgia	6'1"/208	22/8	2,892	63.9	156.3
5. Logan Thomas	Virginia Tech	6'6"/257	15/12	2,632	58.3	126.4

Browns Quarterback Prospect of the Week: Derek Carr 

Fresno State's Derek Carr is transforming this season into the moldable clay perfect for Turner's attack strategy. Even his flaws land right into the offensive coordinator's wheelhouse of development.

The senior demonstrated throughout 2013 that he can outwit defenses and make NFL-quality throws. 

Any collegiate prospect from sunny California usually raises fan questions of whether he can handle the unpredictable weather of Northeast Ohio.

Well, Carr certainly can and proved it in the November 9 contest at Wyoming. He was able to sling the rock with authority through the cold, windy conditions and finished with a four-touchdown, zero-interception road victory.

The Bulldog's arm strength is a crucial asset, but his speed in getting rid of the football and accuracy on all types of throws are what really stands out. At 6'3", the 218-pounder is nimble enough to have defenses respect the threat of him scampering for positive gains. 

Turner and head coach Rob Chudzinski thrive in improving the mechanics and footwork of young quarterbacks. Both are areas that Carr needs to clean up to have a chance at becoming elite at the pro level.

Names like Troy Aikman, Alex Smith and Philip Rivers all suffered from similar deficiencies and benefited from Turner's veteran tutelage during their early years in the league.

Over 70 percent of Carr's passes were completed during the past two weeks, which is above his 2013 average of 69.5. More good news for the Dawg Pound is that No. 4 is on pace to match or surpass his impressive 2012 numbers.

He may not get all the media attention like a Teddy Bridgewater or Johnny Manziel, but Carr is quickly developing into this draft's safest bet under center.

Andy McNamara is an international sports broadcaster and journalist.

Follow Andy on Twitter @AndyMc81.