2012 NFL Mock Draft: Franchise-Changing QBs Who Must Be Selected in First Round

The NFL is a quarterback league, and without a top-notch one, a team isn't going to go very far. The most obvious case of 2011 is the Indianapolis Colts, who have yet to win a game because they lost Peyton Manning. 

Every year a team takes a gamble on a quarterback in the NFL Draft, and in 2012, some teams will be very happy with the players they get. 

Depending on the team that drafts them, these soon to be rookies will more than likely be thrown into the fire right away. There are busts every year, but you cannot deny the hype around these quarterbacks, and how much some teams have a great need for a new starting quarterback. 

Here are the quarterbacks that must be selected in the first round. 

Andrew Luck, Stanford 

This is the most obvious choice, as Luck will be the consensus No. 1 overall pick in 2012. No matter who gets the pick, (I'd be surprised if it was not the Colts) Luck is going to be the top choice. 

His intelligence for the game is far superior than his classmates, which is why he is so highly coveted. Luck is drawing numerous comparison to the elite QB's of the NFL, and it's easy to see why. 

His accuracy, as well as his feel for the game, make him the top QB for 2012. I have the Colts drafting him whether or not Peyton Manning is healthy enough to play next season. Luck can learn from Manning and then take over the reigns in a year or two. 

Matt Barkley, USC 

Barley has been the Trojans QB since his freshman year, and he has developed into a surefire first rounder. He has the option to return to school, but when you're a lock for a top five pick, there's no need to return. 

Sure, Luck did the same last year, but the Trojans aren't going to win the title next year or anything, so Barkley should just leave. His accuracy has improved every year of his career, especially on the deep ball. Pair him with an elite receiver and Barkley will go far in the NFL. 

I have the Miami Dolphins drafting Barkley because they're in desperate need of a quarterback. Sure, Matt Moore is doing well during his time as the starter, but he isn't the type of guy that will lead the Dolphins to the playoffs. 

Barkley will keep getting better, and he will thrive in the warm Miami weather. 

Landry Jones, Oklahoma 

The Sooners QB was asked to step in earlier than expected, but it helped him grow into a much better quarterback. An injury to Sam Bradford forced Jones into action, and because of that, he will be a first round pick in 2012. 

Jones' ability to make big time throws is why teams will want him. He's had his ups and downs this year, but he projects to the NFL very well. He's got the size to compete at the next level, as well as the arm strength. 

I have him headed to the Washington Redskins because it's clear they need help. Mike Shanahan and company didn't take one last year, which proved to be a mistake. Rex Grossman and John Beck aren't cutting it, which is why they will draft Jones. 

Robert Griffin III, Baylor 

RGIII has been on fire this season, showing that he can win on the big stage. NFL teams are taking notice of his ability to make plays out of nothing. 

His mobility excites the scouts, but the fact that he can actually throw the ball makes him a must for the first round. There's no need to wait on him because he won't be on the board for very long. 

Most running quarterbacks are subpar at throwing the ball, but RGIII is very accurate, meaning his dual threat abilities will rejuvenate an NFL team. 

I have RGIII going to the Philadelphia Eagles, but before you freak, just hear me out. Michael Vick is subject to injury more than any quarterback in the NFL, and having a viable backup is very necessary. 

Vince Young won't be around with the Eagles next season, plus, Vick doesn't have very many years left in the tank, especially when he is constantly getting hurt. With RGIII the Eagles can make special packages with him before he becomes the full time starter in a few years. He's similar to Vick, but after some development, he'll be even better. 

No.	Team (Record)	Player, Pos.
1.	Indianapolis Colts (0-10)	Andrew Luck, QB
2.	St. Louis Rams (2-8)	Justin Blackmon, WR
3.	Carolina Panthers (2-8)	Quinton Coples, DE
4.	Miami Dolphins (3-8)	Matt Barkley, QB
5.	Jacksonville Jaguars (3-7)	Alshon Jeffery, WR
6.	Arizona Cardinals (3-7)	Matt Kalil, OT
7.	Minnesota Vikings (2-8)	Jonathan Martin, OT
8.	Cleveland Browns (4-6)	Trent Richardson, RB
9.	Washington Redskins (3-7)	Landry Jones, QB
10.	Seattle Seahawks (4-6)	Morris Claiborne, CB
11.	Philadelphia Eagles (4-6)	Robert Griffin III
12.	San Diego Chargers (4-6)	Dre Kirkpatrick, CB
13.	Kansas City Chiefs (4-6)	Riley Reiff, OT
14.	Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6)	Alfonzo Dennard, CB
15.	Tennessee Titans (5-5)	Vontaze Burfict, LB
16.	Buffalo Bills (5-5)	Michael Floyd, WR
17.	Denver Broncos (5-5)	LaMichael James, RB
18.	Chicago Bears (7-3)	Peter Konz, C
19.	Dallas Cowboys (7-4)	Janoris Jenkins, CB
20.	New York Jets (5-5)	Lamar Miller, RB
21.	Cleveland Browns (via ATL) (6-4)	Zach Brown, LB
22.	Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK) (6-4)	Cordy Glenn, OG
23.	Cincinnati Bengals (6-4)	Devon Still, DT
24.	Detroit Lions (7-4)	Luke Kuechly, LB
25.	Houston Texans (7-3)	Mark Barron, S
26.	Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3)	Dont'a Hightower, LB
27.	New York Giants (6-4)	Jarvis Jones, LB
28.	New England (via NO 7-3)	Chase Minnifield, CB
29.	Baltimore Ravens (8-3)	Michael Brewster, C
30.	San Francisco 49ers (9-2)	Jeff Fuller, WR
31.	New England Patriots (7-3)	David DeCastro, OG
32.	Green Bay Packers (11-0)	Courtney Upshaw, DE