2012 NFL Draft: 7 QBs Who Could Be the Next Andy Dalton

Andy Dalton wasn't the first quarterback taken in the 2011 NFL Draft. He wasn't even drafted in the first round.

But looking at how Dalton has played as the second round selection of the Cincinnati Bengals, it makes you stop and wonder if these so called "draft experts" have their facts straight or if they even know what they are doing.

In a perfect world, Dalton would have been the second quarterback taken in the 2011 Draft behind Cam Newton; ahead of the likes of Jake Locker, Blaine Gabbert and Christian Ponder.

While Dalton has shown at times what a rookie quarterback looks like in the NFL, he surely has lit the world and the people in Ohio on fire by giving them hope of making the playoffs.

In the 2012 NFL Draft will there be another quarterback like Dalton, one who may not be drafted in the first or maybe even the second round, but can come in and light the world on fire or play with the poise of a 10-year veteran?

Remember, Tom Brady was a sixth-round selection. Matt Schaub was selected in the third round. Tony Romo wasn't even drafted and Matt Cassel was a late-round selection as well. All these guys have had "some" success in the pros.

These seven could experience success as well.

Case Keenum, Houston

He is a howitzer when it comes to running an offense.

The offense in Houston has the team undefeated and Keenum is at the center of the scoring barrage.

At 6'2" and 210 lbs, he can stand in the pocket or throw on the run.

And he may be better than David Klingler or Andre Ware.

Brandon Weeden, Oklahoma State

There has to be something to this kid. Oklahoma State is on pace to play for a national title.

Weeden isn't talked about much, but that does not mean there isn't skill there.

He is older than most quarterbacks in college, having given professional baseball a try. His career was ended by an arm injury (go figure).

What is baseball's loss might be professional football's gain.

Nick Foles, Arizona

Of everyone on this list, I like Foles and his chances of being a starter.

Arizona has not been that great of a team this season, but Foles has played very well and willed his team to wins.

Every great quarterback has something inside them that is worth a victory or two. Foles has that.

Kirk Cousins, Michigan State

The senior passer has great leadership abilities.

In 2010 he lead the Spartans to a 10-2 record. The 6'3" 202-pound frame makes him attractive to pro scouts.

He sat on the bench for two years before earning a chance to start his college career.

John Brantley, Florida

John Brantley has had four strikes against him since coming on campus at Florida.

His dad was a quarterback for the Gators. He came in to replace Tim Tebow. He was destroyed in Urban Meyer's offensive system. He injured himself this year after a great start.

I believe that if given the chance, Brantley can run a pro-style offense. If Charlie Weiss can get anything out of him the rest of the season, he will impress someone at the combine and at the Senior Bowl.

Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M

Tannehill certainly looks the part.

At 6'4" and almost 200 lbs (he will need to bulk up for the pros), Tannehill has made scouts and other college teams take notice.

Not only does he appear to have the acumen to play on the pro level, he hopes to go be an orthopedic surgeon.

Kellen Moore, Boise State

Is it the system, or is it Moore?

That is the question he will have to ask for scouts. But, there is no denying he could be a great find.

Moore is said to not have a great arm or be the right size at 6' and under 200 lbs. But all he does is win. And winning, last time I checked, was what the NFL was all about.

There are quarterbacks who are around his size who have enjoyed success in the NFL. One of them, Drew Brees, is a pretty good passer in the NFL.

I'm not saying Moore will be another Brees, but shouldn't he be given all the chances in the world to prove he can play based on what he has done in college?