2012 NFL Draft: Quarterbacks That Teams Can Build Around

Andrew Luck is the prized possession of the 2012 NFL Draft class, but the talent does not end there.

Luck has a number of vaunted quarterbacks nipping at his heels, including Landry Jones of the Oklahoma Sooners and Matt Barkley of the USC Trojans.

It is definitely a top-heavy class of quarterbacks.

Many of them have the talent to become starters in their rookie seasons, regardless of the incumbent.

Let's take a look at five quarterbacks in 2012 NFL Draft class that teams can truly build around.

5. Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M Aggies

Ryan Tannehill of the Texas A&M Aggies is a big quarterback that will find success in the NFL.

His talent may be a bit overrated, simply because of his measurables at 6'4'', 222 lbs.

He is short on experience: He threw only 234 times last season in his first year with starting experience.

However, Tannehill has proven he has all the intangibles that make a solid NFL starting quarterback.

Tannehill reminds me a lot of Ryan Mallett when it comes to his draft prospects.

Right now, he is expected to go very early, but he could end up slipping if the level of his talent doesn't match up to his measurables.

4. Robert Griffin III, Baylor Bears

Robert Griffin III is putting up spectacular numbers for the Baylor Bears in the Big 12, proving his worth among the best quarterbacks in the 2012 NFL Draft class.

Griffin has wowed in the passing game, with 19 touchdowns to only one interception through five games.

Despite having superior athleticism to the quarterbacks surrounding him in the 2012 NFL Draft class, he has actually focused shining as a passer over the last two years.

He had his biggest rushing season as a freshman. Since then, his passing numbers have improved dramatically.

Griffin is truly one of the best passers in this draft class. The choice to throw more and run less is smart for draft stock.

Griffin is definitely one of the quarterbacks that a team could begin building around in 2012.

3. Matt Barkley, USC Trojans

Matt Barkley of the USC Trojans may have the highest potential of the 2012 NFL Draft class of quarterbacks after Andrew Luck.

He appears to have all the physical tools to succeed in the NFL.

Still, that does not change that his USC teams have only had mild success in his tenure as the starter.

Many times, teams are attracted to winners.

I am not so sure Barkley is a winner.

Nonetheless, an NFL team will be very happy to have the young talent on the roster to build around next year.

2. Landry Jones, Oklahoma Sooners

Landry Jones of the Oklahoma Sooners is one of the best pure passers in the 2012 NFL Draft class.

He blew up in 2010 with 4,718 passing yards and 38 TD to only 13 INT.

That led to the No.1 ranking in many preseason polls for his Sooners.

Jones has followed that season up with another solid start to 2011.

If Jones can somehow sneak his team into a win in the BCS Championship game, Jones could see his stock rise even further.

Jones will be the second consecutive quarterback to come out of Oklahoma that an NFL team can build around.

He might even be better than the guy that came before him.

1. Andrew Luck, Stanford Cardinal

Andrew Luck is simply the best college quarterback prospect we have seen in a very long time.

He has the perfect body of an NFL passer. He is 6'4'', 235 lbs. but, is still mobile in the pocket.

His vision and awareness are off the charts.

Plus, he can make any throw in the book.

Luck is not only the prospect in the 2012 NFL Draft class that a team can build around.

At this point, he seems like the only quarterback that is sure to be great.

This young man is special in every sense of the word, and NFL teams will think the same way when the 2012 Draft comes around.