2012 NFL Offseason Preview: 5 Candidates to Be the Kevin Kolb of 2012

This year, Kevin Kolb's trade value skyrocketed to the point of being worth a first-round draft pick and change.

After Matt Schaub was traded to the Texans for a few second-rounders, it is almost in-vogue to develop a young quarterback into a tradeable commodity after two to three years.

Every team is looking for a franchise quarterback and, with grizzled veterans at the position growing less and less effective (see McNabb, Donovan), these five guys could all be the Kevin Kolb of the 2012 offseason.

Jimmy Clausen

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ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 02: Jimmy Clausen #2 of the Carolina Panthers throws a pass in the second quarter during their game against the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome on January 2, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Halleran/Getty Images)

Jimmy Clausen is out in Carolina with the recent drafting of Cam Newton, and Clausen's impending loss of his starting job may inspire the Notre Dame product to work harder and get a job elsewhere.

Clausen has faced major adversity in limited NFL time, and would be prepared to take on all of the ups and downs that come with being "the guy" on a franchise.

The Golden Domer could truly use a fresh start and, through hard work, he could parlay his situation into a starting job elsewhere.

Ryan Mallett

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NEW ORLEANS, LA - JANUARY 04: Quarterback Ryan Mallett #15 of the Arkansas Razorbacks looks to pass against the Ohio State Buckeyes during the Allstate Sugar Bowl at the Louisiana Superdome on January 4, 2011 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Matthew

When it comes to the Patriots and draft-pick trading, there are no sacred cows.

Bill Belichick drafted the talented Mallett as a developmental project and, after a year learning from one of the game's best, he may be prepared to take the reins in another city.

Mallett has the arm and the experience in a pro-style offense to be a franchise quarterback. With an attitude adjustment from the bootcamp that is a year with the New England Patriots, Mallett would be an interesting guy to bring in to play quarterback.

Mallett is young with a big arm, and could be a hot trade topic in about a year.

John Skelton

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GLENDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 25: Head coach Ken Whisenhunt of the Arizona Cardinals talks with quarterback John Skelton #19 during the NFL game against the Dallas Cowboys at the University of Phoenix Stadium on December 25, 2010 in Glendale, Arizona. The Card

Skelton may have been drafted in a later round, but the young quarterback has all of the physical tools to be a long-term starter at the quarterback position.

The Fordham graduate has a big arm with valuable NFL experience as a rookie.

Skelton is still young, and could contribute to a team for a long time in the right system.

Arizona realizes Skelton's talent, and will be shrewd about trading the second-year quarterback should the situation arise.

Mike Kafka

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CINCINNATI - AUGUST 20: Mike Kafka #3 of the Philadelphia Eagles runs with the ball during the NFL preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on August 20, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

It's certainly feasible that Kevin Kolb's replacement could be the next Kevin Kolb.

If Andy Reid senses trade value in Kafka, he may pull the trigger for a few high draft picks.

The Eagles have shown a willingness to develop and move quarterbacks for draft picks, and Kafka could be the next in line for Philadelphia.

Should Michael Vick perform well again and avoid injury, Kafka may well be expendable at this point next year.

Chase Daniel

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GRAPEVINE, TX - FEBRUARY 03: NFL player Chase Daniel of the New Orleans Saints attends the Coke Zero black carpet at the EA SPORTS Madden Bowl XVII at The Glass Cactus on February 3, 2011 in Grapevine, Texas. (Photo by Joe Scarnici/Getty Images for Madd

Chase Daniel is an intriguing prospect in the sense that the Saints have developed him and showed faith in his ability to take the reins one day.

If Drew Brees goes down with an injury, Daniel has shown the capability to prove himself in limited time.

Daniel may be a commodity in the next offseason if he can show NFL teams that he is a competent quarterback.

Daniel is young and the Saints are sure that he is talented enough to take the reins, but may trade him if the situation comes.