NFL Draft 2012: QB Rankings Heading into Final Month of College Regular Season

If you follow college football and/or the NFL Draft even one iota, you know there are a plethora of really good quarterback prospects in the college game this season. 

Of that group, many are juniors with the option of returning to school or passing up chances for Heisman glory and instead beginning a professional career where they will no longer be the big man on campus. 

For some guys, that is more than OK. Others want to lead their team to a national championship, or at least a conference title, while also hoping to make a significant run at the Heisman and possible No. 1 pick in next year's draft. 

And even with all of that being said, each player has strengths and weaknesses—yes, even you, Mr. Luck. As a result, they have ideal fits for their physical and mental traits, as well as their personality. 

I will list those as well in this edition of quarterback rankings. And as always, I expect a ton of controversy because I still don't believe Andrew Luck is Superman. Sorry if you think he is. Maybe you can sue me for all my money—too bad I'm literally poor. 

1. Andrew Luck, Stanford, Top Five

Phil Simms created quite a stir last week when he voiced his opinion on Andrew Luck, saying he didn't think the likely Heisman Trophy winner and No. 1 draft pick was that great. 

Frankly, I've been saying that for the last year. Interestingly enough, right when Simms came out and said that was the same time I finally relented and gave Luck the big thumbs up as the overall best player in this draft. 

The comeback from a pick-six at the end of the game against Southern California is pretty much what convinced me of that. Then, a play from this past weekend's game at Oregon State stood out even more. 

The Cardinal came to the line of scrimmage in a normal I-Formation set, and then shifted a receiver over into an unbalanced set. When the receiver who shifted across didn't get set in the right location, it was Luck who got him into the right position. 

This may not seem like a big deal. But imagine if the Cardinal had hit a big play, but had it called back for an illegal formation penalty. The Cardinal would risk losing momentum or at least get off schedule on that drive.

I have concerns about Luck's lack of ability to make big-time throws—similar to Simms—but any coach, GM or scout will take a QB who gets his team into the right plays over a guy who has a huge arm but has no clue what's going on. 

Add to that Luck's occasional flashes—there are about two plays (not necessarily throws) every game that make you go, "WOW, that was special!" 

Best Possible Destination for this QB: Miami Dolphins. If Bill Cowher becomes the head coach, Luck will thrive in a run-heavy offense. The Dolphins have bruisers up front, most notably former no. 1 overall pick Jake Long, and just drafted a powerful running back, Daniel Thomas, who has shown glimpses of greatness in his early career. Add to that Brandon Marshall, and Luck would be wise to stay in Miami if they were to earn the No. 1 pick.

Of course, the Dolphins tried to screw that up with their victory over the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. Indianapolis is bad, but they should win at least one game this season, which would put Miami back in the driver's seat for that first pick. 

2. Matt Barkley, Southern California, Top Five or No. 1 Overall in 2013 Draft

Though I'm a USC hater, I have gained tremendous respect for Barkley and the Trojans pro-style offense over the years. And I like some of the spread wrinkles they have thrown in this year to get the ball to their best playmakers, Robert Woods and Marquise Lee. 

The thing that stands out about Barkley to me is that he's the only other guy in the country after Andrew Luck I would trust handing him the keys to an NFL offense right now. Kellen Moore I would as well, if only he were more talented. 

Lane Kiffin has given Barkley pretty much free reign to call the play at the line of scrimmage, assuming the call coming in isn't the correct one. Very few QBs in college even get that liberty. 

And once the snap has taken place, Barkley makes good decisions with the football and throws the ball accurately and on time to all spots on the field. He is adept at checking down after going through all his progressions, a must in the NFL. And unlike Luck, he's already showing an acute ability to be creative and throws with multiple trajectories and from different launch points. 

The main reason I now have Barkley behind Luck is the inevitability of the situation—and my belief that Barkley is set on returning and going after a national championship in 2012. 

Best Situation for this Player (if he does leave): Seattle Seahawks. Clearly the 'Hawks need a QB after passing on one both in the last draft and in free agency—no, Tavaris Jackson doesn't count. 

Barkley could be reunited with Pete Carroll, have good receivers and tight ends to work with, and an offensive coordinator he could quickly unite with and forge a good relationship. I also know Barkley is a fan of Mars Hill Pastor Mark Driscoll, so the relationship to the city would be a good one for Barkley as well. 

I think Barkley will be heavily swayed to come out if Seattle has a top-five pick. Otherwise, I believe he'll return and go for the Heisman, national title and No. 1 overall pick next year. 

3. Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M, Late First/Early Second Round

The last time I wrote about the class of quarterbacks, I put Ryan Tannehill ninth on the list—of 11 which I listed. 

I had only charted one Tannehill game up to that point, and have done more since. In those two games, Tannehill has made the strides I hoped he would. 

More and more, Tannehill is exhibiting an ability to run the offense, and a pro-style one at that. He is doing it efficiently and looks to be taking on more of a leadership role. 

There are still a ton of gaps in his game, but they are almost exclusively coaching issues—things that he should improve the more reps he gets at the position—especially being watched by an NFL coach. 

He seems a bit quick to select receivers because he appears to lock onto them, or pick them pre-snap. His footwork still needs a bit of work, especially when working out of the shotgun, as he gets a bit lazy. 

And the scariest part is that he seems to play his worst in the most important moments of a football game. Generally, that would be enough of a concern to drop a guy significantly, until I remember he's still only played about 15 games at the position at the college level. 

Best possible situation for this player:  Pittsburgh Steelers. Tannehill reminds me a great deal of Ryan Mallet. Both are tall, lanky QBs. Tannehill is much more mobile, so he would fit better learning from a guy like Ben Roethlisberger.

He would become a good option down the road should something happen to Roethlisberger. And if not, he becomes either a really good backup or a guy to trade away for a high draft pick. 

4. Nick Foles, Arizona, Second Round

Nick Foles continues to impress and show well in a really bad situation in Tuscon. Despite losing their head coach, Foles and Arizona have played good football since Oct. 13. 

Nick is putting up some unreal numbers, and doing it with a cast of characters that are largely untalented—in comparison to what the rest of the QBs on this list are working alongside. 

Give Foles the weapons of Luck, Barkley, Tannehill, Landry Jones, Russell or Tyler Wlison, and watch just how good Foles would be. 

Of course, questions must be asked, and thus answered, on whether Foles is really a true leader and winner, given the state of the Arizona program on his watch and under his reign. In that sense, Foles reminds yours truly a great deal of Jay Cutler. 

Cutler, in his senior season, won SEC Offensive Player of the Year. And in any other season, Foles would easily win Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year. But I believe that is where the Cutler comparisons end. 

Foles is not seen as having any character/attitude issues, is known as a gym/film rat and a guy who isn't even looking forward to the NFL Draft, but is 100 percent committed to finishing his Arizona career in the best manner possible: by winning. 

Best possible situation for this player: Arizona Cardinals. While I still believe in Kevin Kolb, it's hard to disagree with the notion that bringing in another guy who can legitimately compete with him isn't a bad idea. 

Assuming the Cardinals management remains patient with Ken Whisenhunt—and they should—Foles would be the perfect guy for that role. Since Foles is an even more perfect comparison to Ben Roethlisberger than Tannehill, he would seem to be a great fit for the Arizona offense. Being from Arizona, he would almost assuredly be a fan favorite from day one. 

Maybe that's not what is best for the Cardinals, though, just a year after trading for Kolb and signing him to a $65 million deal. 

5. Case Keenum, Houston, Third Round

I am probably the only person who claims to be a draft/QB expert who has Keenum rated this high. And I'm fine with that. 

Keenum is deadly accurate and one of the few QBs who throws more often to his left than right. He does so with zip and accuracy. 

A year after an ACL injury, Keenum has regained the athleticism which made him a dual threat QB before getting hurt. Now he's using it to extend plays and keep his eyes downfield. Like his predecessor, Kevin Kolb, he does have a bad habit of getting outside the pocket when it isn't absolutely necessary. 

But he is already better at stepping up and throwing with hands in his face. 

Best situation for this player: Philadelphia Eagles. Wouldn't it be interesting if the Eagles took another Houston QB early in the draft? 

The similarities between Kolb and Keenum are innumerable. In my opinion, Keenum actually has a better arm than Kolb did at Houston and even now. He throws a great deep ball and would almost instantly be a great second or third QB in Philadelphia. 

His shelf life as a possible starter is obviously going to be a little different than some of the other QBs in this draft, but if you're looking for a good backup, Keenum is probably your man. 

6. Landry Jones, Oklahoma, Late Third or Early First in 2013

Landry Jones has a lot of qualities that project him in a positive manner to the NFL game. Among them are a big arm, nearly unequaled accuracy from 10 yards and in and a good head on his shoulders. 

But it's that head on his shoulders that leads many commentators to believe Jones will return for his senior season and bypass the NFL Draft. Jones has a girlfriend at OU who is also a junior and a student-athlete, and the two would undoubtedly like to finish college together. 

In fact, because Jones is a Christian, it is likely he would be questioned—as many before him have—of his commitment to the game of football. Coming back to OU could go either way in answering that question, but some may take it as a sign of maturation and commitment to finishing things he has started. 

That is how I would take it. And I presume that one more year at OU would help him clean up some of the smaller flaws he has in his game: eye-balling receivers, struggles against the occasional pressure he faces and help him grow in his understanding of the game. 

Best possible situation for this player: New England Patriots-type offense. Because I am almost sure Jones will go back to OU for his senior season, I will bypass selecting a team for him. Jones would be a Heisman front-runner and have a good shot at the national championship in 2012. 

He would also be a likely first round pick in the 2013 draft. And in that scenario, Jones' ideal situation would be landing with either Josh McDaniels—if he were to get another head coaching job that quickly—or Bill O'Brien, the current Patriots offensive coordinator who could be up for head coaching jobs in the next couple offseasons. 

7. Tyler Wilson, Arkansas, Late Third or Early First in 2013

I just charted my first Tyler Wilson game, and wasn't as impressed as I hoped I would be. Nonetheless, I still think he's in the top three of junior QBs likely to come back next year--Landry Jones and Matt Barkley are the other two in that group. 

Wilson was surprisingly mobile in the pocket and in getting away from traffic and throwing on the run. He is relatively accurate doing so, despite spotty mechanics. In the pocket he has a big arm and throws the football very accurately down the field. 

He is not afraid to throw the ball over the middle--to the right side--as many young QBs are. He seems to be gaining greater understanding of the passing game under Bobby Petrino. All in all, he's a hot QB playing for a hot team. 

Because of Wilson, I honestly believe Arkansas is going to walk into Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge the day after Thanksgiving and leave LSU wondering what happened to their national title hopes. I think Wilson is a winner, and a sure first-round QB in 2013. 

Best possible situation for this player: Oakland Raiders in two years. Think about it, Carson Palmer will probably retire after two failed attempts at the playoffs. The Raiders still love to throw the ball down the football field, and they now have the personnel to do it. They just need a QB who can do it consistently and accurately. 

Wilson combines the best of both Palmer and Campbell, and is nearly 10 years younger than both. With Darren McFadden getting to the point where it's one more contract left, and possible momentum from the past season's success fading, Wilson is the best bet in 2013 for the Oakland Raiders. 

8. Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State, Fourth Round

Lately, I've heard talk of Weeden being thought of in terms of the first round. My thought is: in baseball?

Don't get me wrong, Weeden is a good college QB, and not a bad NFL prospect. But he's going to be 28 by the time he gets into an NFL camp. And he has zero experience in an NFL offense. By the time he gets comfortable, he'll be 30. 

While I know Mike Gundy would stand up for him and say "He's a man!", that doesn't help us very much. In an age where QBs who start are getting younger and younger, Weeden's age is a definite disadvantage. 

And it isn't as if Weeden is a superstar prospect, never mind the age. His footwork isn't great, he's a gun-slinger—which in this case, isn't really a compliment—and he shows little ability to really chuck the ball down the field. 

Weeden is a man, so I know that on the slight chance he were to read my review his feelings will not be hurt. But Weeden is a backup NFL QB. And that's only if he's given enough time to learn the NFL game. 

Best possible situation for this player: New Orleans Saints. Brandon needs to go to a team who can teach the quarterback the pro offense and do it quickly. The quicker he can learn it, and everything that goes with it—footwork, route concepts, hot routes, kill packages, etc.the greater chance he'll have for some NFL playing time. 

The Saints may not like him because of his inability to throw a good deep ball, but that is something with his arm strength that can likely be worked on and improved. 

9. Robert Griffin III, Baylor, Sixth Round or Early Second 2013

In my last rankings, I placed Griffin fifth. After seeing Griffin play against Oklahoma State—he was not very impressive in my opinion—it seems best that Griffin return to Waco and make another run at the Heisman Trophy. 

No one questions his athleticism and God-given abilities. And he definitely seems to have some of that "It factor." But Griffin greatly needs to clean up his throwing motion and grow in his overall ability to play the quarterback position. 

Put simply, if the next guy on this list had Griffin's abilities, he'd be a top-10 pick. 

Best Possible Situation: Cam Newton 2.0. Griffin probably isn't going to grow in learning the intricacies of a pro-style passing game by remaining at Baylor. Perhaps Griffin will land in a spot where they allow him to run some college-style attack while teaching him the NFL game. 

But ultimately, Griffin would be better off going back to Baylor in hopes of refining his throwing motion and ability to play quarterback like a quarterback. 

10. Kellen Moore, Boise State, Sixth Round

As I stated in the previous slide, if Kellen Moore was as talented as Robert Griffin, or any of the other QBs on this list, he'd be a top-10 pick in this draft. 

He's so smart—he's going to be a coach when he's done playing—and accurate it's ridiculous. Watching the UNLV game from this past Saturday, Moore literally was coaching the backup QB and telling him to take timeouts at the end of the game. 

I mean the guy is already the offensive coordinator at Boise, practically speaking of course. He'll pick up an NFL playbook the day after he's given the playbook—maybe not, but you get my point. 

If Moore can improve his arm strength—and that's really about it—he could be a great backup, if not a really good game manager-type starting QB, a la Trent Dilfer. 

Best possible situation for this player: New Orleans Saints. Drew Brees isn't going to be around forever, but by the time he is done, Chase Daniel will likely have been traded away for a high draft pick. That leaves a giant hole for a replacement to Brees. 

Given Moore's mental acumen, with a little bit of physical improvement, he could take the reigns of the offense and deliver for years. 

Best of the Rest

Kirk Cousins, Michigan State, Seventh Round/Free Agent: Cousins has been good and bad. He's had great moments and some not so great ones. He is accurate with a good arm, but not great in any area. He's worth taking a risk on, but don't expect much. 

Russell Wilson, Wisconsin, Seventh Round/Free Agent: Wilson is a more athletic player than he ever showed at NC State. He's fairly accurate with the football, but lacks explosive arm strength. His style of play is similar to Michael Vick, but he lacks any real explosion. 

Brock Osweiler, Arizona State, Third Round Pick in 2013: Osweiler's stock has dropped a bit with spotty performances against Oregon and UCLA in recent losses. It's becoming clear that Osweiler needs another year in the valley of the sun to improve in a number of ways. 

Ryan Lindley, San Diego State, Free Agent: Lindley is supremely talented but lacks that "It factor". He's missing his top two receiving threats: Vincent Brown (now starring for the Chargers) and the Cardinals' DeMarco Sampson.