There's a new record in the NFL this season: 5 rookie NFL quarterbacks will start the opening week of the 2012 year. Some people say they're all locks to be great NFL players. I will take a look at each of them and give my opinion on their futures as NFL QBs. In parenthesis are the preseason stats this year.
Andrew Luck, No. 1 pick, Indianapolis Colts (522 yds, 3 TDs, 2 INTs, 62.1% CMP in four games):
I have a feeling Luck will be the best quarterback from this draft someday. That's not just because he was the number one overall pick, but his athleticism, accuracy, and leadership all point for him being a star in the league. When I was watching him against the Pittsburgh Steelers, I saw him toss two pretty poorly thrown balls for interceptions, but those didn't stop him from scoring on three different drives. In fact, after he threw his interception that went back for a score, Luck took the Colts all the way down the field and scored on a bold run into the end zone. He slid, but nevertheless, took a shot as he was going down. I see high intangibles for Luck, and his athleticism will be a big plus in the NFL. Will he be as good as Peyton Manning? Probably not, but there's a lot to like from this kid's play. Indianapolis should be fighting for playoff spots in the next couple years or so.
Robert Griffin III, No. 2 pick, Washington Redskins (193 yds, 2 TDs, 0 INTs, 64.5% CMP in three games):
Robert Griffin didn't show that much in the preseason except that he is more accurate than I remembered. He throws the ball strangely, kind of like Vince Young, except his arm strength is much better. Many people are hyping RGIII up because of what Cam Newton did last year. The problem is that other than being QBs who can run and throw well, they aren't much of the same. RGIII is about 3-4 inches shorter and 25 lbs less than Newton. Don't get me wrong, RGIII is a tough guy, but he won't be putting up 14 rushing touchdowns without Newton's gigantic size. I believe the difference between Luck and RGIII is that RGIII has more potential to be great, but the way he plays (running and throwing) the way he throws his wonky passes can also result in an injury or bust. However, I think RGIII will have a great career in the NFL. Look for him to make a few pro bowls down the line.
Ryan Tannehill, No. 8 pick, Miami Dolphins (414 yds, 1 TD, 1 INT, 52.6% CMP in four games):
The 8th pick of the draft is the wild card of these quarterbacks. I will admit, I'm not the biggest supporter of Tannehill because he was way overvalued in this year's draft, and he's only played quarterback for two years. Why did Tannehill all of a sudden go from mid-round pick to top ten pick? Did scouts look and say, "Oh, wait, he actually did really well for the Aggies?" In his defense, he did play pretty well last year, throwing for almost 30 TDs and over 3500 yards. The stat that jumps out at me is his 15 picks. In the Big 12 where great defense is a rarity, Tannehill's 15 INTs don't look too appetizing. He's a great athlete, but I think his decision making and the situation in Miami (who is he throwing the ball to?) can lead to an early career exit from South Beach. The good thing is he is still raw, and maybe a few years down, he can evolve into a consistent starting NFL quarterback.
Brandon Weeden, No. 22 pick, Cleveland Browns (297 yds, 0 TDs, 1 INT, 49.0% CMP in three games):
The Browns took a risk and snagged Brandon Weeden earlier than he was projected to go for the 22nd pick of the draft. Weeden doesn't have much potential left, but does he need it? The Browns drafted a guy who's already in his prime. Smart move? Eh, we'll see. I think Weeden can have success in the NFL, he did have good accuracy at Oklahoma State last year (72%), but he was also throwing a lot of his balls to the best receiver in the draft, Justin Blackmon. The problem with Weeden is he reminds me of an older Browns' QB named Derek Anderson. I didn't get to watch Anderson that much, but he, like Weeden, had zero touch on the ball when I watched him. He and Weeden are practically immobile when running, which is interesting considering Weeden is in a West Coast offense. Did Derek Anderson have some good years? Absolutely. In 2007, He threw for 29 TDs for Cleveland. I just don't see an all-star brewing in Cleveland with Weeden. He will be reliable, but I'm not seeing a Pro Bowl quarterback.
Russell Wilson, No. 75, Seattle Seahawks (536 yds, 5 TDs, 1 INT, 63.5% CMP in four games):
And finally we get to the little man, 5'11" Russell Wilson. I'm a big fan of the new starter for the Seahawks when it comes to accuracy and getting the job done. He had major success at Wisconsin and NC State, and I think he can create excitement this year. I think he will definitely struggle because he played in some garbage time in the preseason (other than his last two games), but he will put up points whether it's throwing or running the ball. I'm a fan that Wilson doesn't throw many picks, too. Last year, he passed for 33 TDs on only 4 INTs. That's incredible, even if you are in an offense that runs a lot and sets up for the pass. I do have a gut feeling that Matt Flynn may end up taking the starting job back because Flynn is the one making the big bucks, but overall, Wilson will see time in the NFL as a starter or a solid back up for many years.
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