2012 NFL Mock Draft: Which Teams Need a Franchise QB?

We're inching closer and closer to every team in the NFL having a franchise quarterback. Whether it's a bona fide Pro Bowler or a high draft pick learning the game on the bench, you could count at least 25 of the 32 teams that fill that requirement.

That still leaves potentially seven teams that need to find a franchise quarterback in next April's 2012 draft. 

Here's the list:  

Kansas City Chiefs

I wonder how long the Chiefs will give Matt Cassel to turn around what has been a miserable season in 2011?

Sure, Kansas City gave up a second-rounder for him a few February's ago, but is Cassel a guy you think can get your team to the playoffs year after year and then win once he's there?

I don't see it.

The stats were good on paper last year (27 TDs, 7 INTs), but he benefited from a strong running game and crumbled in the playoffs. Both the Chiefs and Cassel have been exposed in '11.

Indianapolis Colts

Until we're told otherwise, Peyton Manning is still the franchise quarterback in Indianapolis. But this season has been case in point for the Colts' need for a future at that position.

Manning is 35 years old and neck injuries are nothing to sneeze at.

Regardless of how this season turns out, you'd have to think the Colts will invest in a first- or second-round pick next season as Manning's successor. 

Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins' confidence in Chad Henne this offseason was a noble move, but those kind of decisions don't put fans in the stands or wins in the standings.

Miami is now looking at another lost season after starting 0-3.

If they stay on that track, they'll be in a position to start over at the quarterback position. They'll also have a new coach that almost certainly will want a franchise guy to tie his name to.  

Denver Broncos

I wouldn't want to be part of the Broncos management during this coming offseason. Denver looks headed for a 5-11 type season, but there isn't a quarterback on the roster that you could call a franchise guy.

Tim Tebow still deserves time to develop, but it's painfully obvious how much confidence they have in him.

If the Broncos do win four or five games this season, don't they have to consider taking a quarterback in the first round? 

Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks gamble with Tarvaris Jackson hasn't paid off, but I'm not sure what Seattle expected out of a career backup.

Jackson was given $8 million over two years, and he's responded by throwing for less than 200 yards in each of the Seahawks' three games.

That's unacceptable in this day and age in the NFL.

If Jackson is the starter for 16 games, it's hard to see the Seahawks winning more than five or six games. That means they'll be in position to take a quarterback who can be considered a franchise guy.  

Oakland Raiders

I hate putting the Raiders on this list; they've looked much better on offense through three games.

Still, Jason Campbell isn't a guy that can win you a Super Bowl and, in the end, that's the main goal.

The Raiders took Terrelle Pryor in the supplemental draft and they think he can be that guy, but I'm not sure many around the NFL agree with that assessment. 

Washington Redskins

Like the Raiders, I hate having to include the Redskins. Rex Grossman has been a revelation and there's a confidence there with Mike Shanahan.

Many picked the Redskins to be a three- or four-win team with Grossman under center, but that doesn't look like the case any longer.

If Washington wins eight or nine games this season, would they pull the trigger on a quarterback high in the draft?