It may be obvious to point out, but the difference between success and failure in the NFL frequently lies with a key member on the offense: the quarterback. It’s a quarterback’s league. Teams that consistently do well, like the Patriots, Steelers, Giants and Packers, all have elite quarterbacks. Many teams are looking for the next great quarterback to lead them to victory, and this year may be the first time since 1999 that quarterbacks will be the first two, and possibly even three, picks in the 2012 NFL Draft.
While the media has been surrounding Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III, there is one quarterback who is likely to go early in the first round as well, but to less fanfare. Ryan Tannehill, former Texas A&M quarterback, rounds out the top three for his position. Tannehill has taken a back seat to Luck and RG3, but that doesn’t say anything about his talent.
Tannehill only started 19 games as a quarterback, but he’s big, athletic and possesses a strong arm. At Texas A&M, Tannehill began his career as a wide receiver and the little experience behind center may affect his ability to come into the NFL and contribute immediately.
This will have little effect on his position in the draft. While he doesn’t have as many starts as Luck or Griffin, he has room to grow into the quarterback any NFL team needs.
“I think you can look at my body of work, I only started 19 games so I think my ceiling is extremely high,” Tannehill said. “I’m nowhere near my highest point. I have the drive and determination to get better.”
Tannehill already has the physical tools of an NFL quarterback and with the right team and coaching staff, he can become one of the best. He is already aware that his lack of experience may affect his draft position, but he also has the will to become better and believes that he has a lot of room to grow, whereas other players may not. He is willing to tweak his game for any team that believes in him.
“It is not just my goal to play in the NFL; I want to win Super Bowls. I think I have all the physical tools: arm strength, accuracy, I make plays on the run and I have leadership. These are all the intangibles that an NFL quarterback needs,” Tannehill said.
Tannehill stands 6-4 and is 222 lbs. In 2011, he completed 327 of 531 passes for 3,744 yards with 29 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. His longest completion was 79 yards, and his passer rating was 133.2.
While he wasn’t able to make the proper offseason adjustments before the Senior Bowl, Combine and his Pro-day due to a broken foot, he still can show NFL teams that he deserves a spot on their roster and will do what it takes to be successful at his position.
Teams like the Cleveland Browns, Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs all may be looking for their quarterback of the future, and could draft Tannehill high in the first round. He is willing to make the necessary changes and grow as a quarterback, which combined with his upside, may be enough for him to go early in the first round.
by Jordynn Barnes
