2012 NFL Mock Draft: Franchise QBs Who Will End Quarterback Carousels

Quarterback is the most important position in the NFL. As the Indianapolis Colts illustrated throughout the season, an elite signal caller can cover up other weaknesses the team may have. So picking one early in the draft has become the quickest way to rebuild a franchise.

As of right now it looks like there will be at least three quarterbacks taken in the opening round, with the possibility of a couple more should teams trade up to secure one. The situation should become a little more clear once all of the juniors make their final decisions.

Here's a complete first-round mock draft that highlights this season's top QB prospects.

1. Indianapolis Colts (2-13): Andrew Luck, QB, Stanford

The Colts have used Kerry Collins, Curtis Painter and, most recently, Dan Orlovsky to fill the void left by Peyton Manning. As expected, the drop off has been gigantic, which has left Indianapolis in a tough position heading in April's draft.

If the Colts lose in Week 17, they will hold the top overall pick. Luck is virtually guaranteed to be selected in that spot, but Manning continues to make progress toward a 2012 return and it's tough to imagine either guy wanting to play second fiddle, especially the veteran.

Surrounding circumstances aside, Luck is as close to a sure thing as there's been since Manning. So the Colts will need to select him and let the chips fall where they may. It's an intriguing situation that warrants watching over the next couple months.

2. St. Louis Rams (2-13): Matt Kalil, OT, USC

The Rams aren't prepared to give up on Sam Bradford, so they'll take Kalil to help protect him.

3. Minnesota Vikings (3-12): Morris Claiborne, CB, LSU

Claiborne would help a Minnesota secondary that ranks 30th in passing yards allowed.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-11): Justin Blackmon, WR, Oklahoma State

Blaine Gabbert needs more weapons like Blackmon before any final judgment on his ability can be made.

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-11): Dre Kirkpatrick, CB, Alabama

Tampa Bay's once vaunted defense now ranks dead last in points allowed per game. Kirkpatrick would help turn things around.

6. Cleveland Browns (4-11): Trent Richardson, RB, Alabama

Richardson has all the tools to become the NFL's next elite running back.

7. Miami Dolphins (5-10): Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

No player's stock rose as quickly as Griffin's throughout the 2011 season. After having a solid, yet unspectacular, sophomore campaign, he broke out in a big way for Baylor this year and emerged as a possible top-10 pick after being named the Heisman Trophy winner.

After the success of fellow dual-threat quarterback Cam Newton, teams will likely be much more receptive to taking a chance on Griffin. That's certainly true for a team like the Dolphins, who had suffered through the likes of Matt Moore and Chad Henne.

Griffin would walk into good situation for a young quarterback. The Dolphins have a solid running game thanks to the emergence of Reggie Bush as a viable threat and have a true No. 1 receiver in Brandon Marshall. That would be an offense which could get the fan base excited again.

8. Washington Redskins (5-10): Landry Jones, QB, Oklahoma

Rex Grossman and John Beck have combined for 20 touchdowns and 29 turnovers this season, so it's no surprise the Redskins have faded after a 3-1 start. It will take much stronger play from the position if Washington wants to remain competitive in the always tough NFC East.

If Jones can have impressive performances in the Insight Bowl and during offseason workouts, he could be the biggest winner of Matt Barkley returning to USC. There are so many teams in need of fresh faces at the QB position that certain guys will be taken a little earlier than anticipated.

He has good size for the position and has improved his decision-making skills markedly since he arrived in Norman. The caveat with Jones is that it's not a guarantee the junior will leave the Sooners. John Taylor reported that head coach Bob Stoops' feeling is that his QB will return for his senior year.

If Jones does indeed stay, it will open the door for other potential draftees to shine. It's a list that includes Ryan Tannehill of Texas A&M and Nick Foles of Arizona.

9. Kansas City Chiefs (6-9): Riley Reiff, OT, Iowa

Reiff is the top offensive line prospect in the class, making him a good fit for Kansas City.

10. Carolina Panthers (6-9): Quinton Coples, DE, North Carolina

Coples would give the Panthers another pass rushing threat to with Charles Johnson.

11. Buffalo Bills (6-9): Jonathan Martin, OT, Stanford

The Bills have struggled with poor line play for awhile and could use an anchor like Martin to build around.

12. Philadelphia Eagles (7-8): Michael Floyd, WR, Notre Dame

Floyd would give Michael Vick another weapon to utilize after a season of inconsistency.

13. Seattle Seahawks (7-8): Devon Still, DT, Penn State

Seattle would have loved to get a franchise QB, but its late charge took them out of contention to get one.

14. San Diego Chargers (7-8): Alfonzo Dennard, CB, Nebraska

The Chargers defense needs to start making more big plays to take some pressure off the offense.

15. Arizona Cardinals (7-8): Melvin Ingram, DE, South Carolina

Ingram could pair up with Calais Campbell to give a formidable pass rush duo.

16. Chicago Bears (7-8): Peter Konz, C, Wisconsin

Konz continues to make the most sense for the Bears at this spot despite shake ups elsewhere.

17. Tennessee Titans (8-7): Vontaze Burfict, LB, Arizona State

Burfict is flying under the radar right now and could rise closer to the top 10 before draft day.

18. Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK 8-7): Lamar Miller, RB, Miami

Miller would provide an immediate upgrade over Cedric Benson, who is averaging less than four yards per carry.

19. New York Jets (8-7): David DeCastro, OG, Stanford

The Jets continue to rely heavily on their offense line and it hasn't always held up this season. DeCastro would provide some reinforcement.

20. Dallas Cowboys (8-7): Luke Kuechly, LB, Boston College

Kuechly is the best defensive player left on the board who could help Dallas' reshaped defense.

21. Detroit Lions (10-5): David Wilson, RB, Virginia Tech

The Lions have a lot of question marks at the running back position, which makes Wilson and intriguing option.

22. Cincinnati Bengals (9-6): Janoris Jenkins, CB, North Alabama

If the Bengals don't reach for a wide receiver at this spot, Jenkins would be a nice upgrade for the secondary.

23. Denver Broncos (8-7): Fletcher Cox, DT, Mississippi State

Denver's run defense needs to improve if the team is going to succeed with Tim Tebow under center.

24. New York Giants (8-7): Zach Brown, OLB, North Carolina

The Giants suffered a bunch of injuries on defense this season. Once the dust settles during the offseason, Brown should emerge as a good candidate to fill a void.

25. Houston Texans (10-5): Mark Barron, S, Alabama

Houston is another team who could use a wide receiver, but safety is probably a bigger need right now.

26. Pittsburgh Steelers (11-4): Cordy Glenn, OG, Georgia

Glenn would help improve an offensive line that's been decimated by injuries.

27. Cleveland Browns (via ATL 9-5): Alshon Jeffery, WR, South Carolina

After selecting Richardson earlier in the round, Cleveland will take Jeffery as they continue to search for offensive playmakers.

28. New England Patriots (via NO 11-3): Courtney Upshaw, DE/OLB, Alabama

The Patriots need to make massive improvements on defense to reach a dynasty level again.

29. Baltimore Ravens (11-4): Dont'a Hightower, LB, Alabama

Hightower provides terrific value this deep in the round and would learn a lot from Ray Lewis.

30. San Francisco 49ers (12-3): Kendall Wright, WR, Baylor

San Francisco's offense has made nice strides this season, but could still benefit from more weapons.

31. New England Patriots (12-3): Mohamed Sanu, WR, Rutgers

Bill Belichick would probably prefer a cornerback at this spot and could trade out if they can't find one they like. Sanu would be the backup plan.

32. Green Bay Packers (14-1): Nick Perry, DE/OLB, USC

The Packers will likely select the best defensive player left on the board. The versatile Perry would be a nice fit.