Home › Trends13

The 2012 NFL QB Draft: A Comprehensive Guide

Trends January 15, 2025

Was the NFL QB Draft of 2012 a success or a failure?

The 2012 NFL QB Draft was one of the most highly anticipated in recent memory. With several talented quarterbacks available, teams were eager to add a franchise-changing player to their roster. However, the draft did not quite live up to the hype, as none of the quarterbacks selected have developed into elite players.

The top overall pick in the draft, Andrew Luck, has had a solid career but has not been able to lead the Indianapolis Colts to a Super Bowl. Robert Griffin III, the second overall pick, showed promise early in his career but has since struggled with injuries and inconsistency. The third overall pick, Ryan Tannehill, has been a solid starter for the Miami Dolphins but has not been able to elevate the team to contender status.

There were a few other quarterbacks selected in the 2012 NFL Draft who have had some success. Kirk Cousins, who was selected in the fourth round by the Washington Redskins, has developed into a solid starting quarterback. Russell Wilson, who was selected in the third round by the Seattle Seahawks, has won a Super Bowl and has been to another.

Overall, the 2012 NFL QB Draft was a disappointment. None of the quarterbacks selected have developed into elite players, and the draft did not produce any franchise-changing quarterbacks.

NFL QB Draft 2012

Andrew Luck
Robert Griffin III
Ryan Tannehill
Kirk Cousins
Russell Wilson
Disappointment
Missed Expectations

Overall, the 2012 NFL QB Draft was a disappointment. None of the quarterbacks selected have developed into elite players, and the draft did not produce any franchise-changing quarterbacks.

1. Andrew Luck

Andrew Luck was the top overall pick in the 2012 NFL QB Draft. He was a highly touted prospect coming out of Stanford, and many expected him to be a franchise-changing quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts. However, Luck's career has been plagued by injuries, and he has not been able to live up to the expectations that were placed on him.

Early success
Luck had a promising start to his career, leading the Colts to a 11-5 record and a playoff berth in his rookie season. He was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year for his performance.
Injury problems
Luck began to struggle with injuries in his second season, and he missed the entire 2017 season with a shoulder injury. He returned in 2018, but he was not the same player that he was before the injury. He retired from the NFL in 2019 at the age of 29.
Legacy
Luck's career was cut short by injuries, but he still managed to have a significant impact on the NFL. He was one of the most talented quarterbacks of his generation, and he led the Colts to several successful seasons. He will be remembered as one of the best quarterbacks of his era, even though his career was cut short.

Luck's career is a reminder that even the most talented players can be derailed by injuries. It is also a reminder that the NFL is a tough league, and even the best players can struggle to stay healthy.

2. Robert Griffin III

Robert Griffin III (RG3) was the second overall pick in the 2012 NFL QB Draft. He was a highly touted prospect coming out of Baylor, and many expected him to be a franchise-changing quarterback for the Washington Redskins. RG3 had a promising start to his career, winning the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award in 2012. However, his career was derailed by injuries, and he was eventually released by the Redskins in 2016.

Early success
RG3 had a promising start to his career, leading the Redskins to a 10-6 record and a playoff berth in his rookie season. He was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year for his performance.
Injury problems
RG3 began to struggle with injuries in his second season, and he missed the entire 2015 season with a knee injury. He returned in 2016, but he was not the same player that he was before the injury. He was eventually released by the Redskins in 2016.
Legacy
RG3's career was cut short by injuries, but he still managed to have a significant impact on the NFL. He was one of the most exciting and dynamic quarterbacks to play the game, and he helped to revolutionize the position. He will be remembered as one of the most talented quarterbacks of his generation, even though his career was cut short.

RG3's career is a reminder that even the most talented players can be derailed by injuries. It is also a reminder that the NFL is a tough league, and even the best players can struggle to stay healthy.

3. Ryan Tannehill

Ryan Tannehill was the eighth overall pick in the 2012 NFL QB Draft. He was a highly touted prospect coming out of Texas A&M, and many expected him to be a franchise-changing quarterback for the Miami Dolphins. However, Tannehill's career in Miami was up and down, and he was eventually traded to the Tennessee Titans in 2019.

In Tennessee, Tannehill has found a new lease on life. He has led the Titans to two AFC South division championships and a playoff berth in each of his three seasons with the team. Tannehill has also been named to the Pro Bowl twice in his time with the Titans.

Tannehill's success in Tennessee is a reminder that sometimes a change of scenery can be just what a player needs. Tannehill was never able to live up to expectations in Miami, but he has found success in Tennessee. This is a lesson that other players and teams can learn from.

4. Kirk Cousins

Kirk Cousins was selected by the Washington Redskins in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL QB Draft. He was not expected to be a starting quarterback in the NFL, but he eventually won the starting job in Washington and led the team to several successful seasons. Cousins is now one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, and he is one of the most sought-after free agents in the league.

Early career
Cousins was a backup quarterback for his first three seasons in the NFL. He started two games in 2014 and led the Redskins to a 2-0 record. He became the full-time starter in 2015 and led the Redskins to a 9-7 record.
Breakout season
Cousins had a breakout season in 2016, throwing for 4,917 yards and 25 touchdowns. He led the Redskins to an 8-7-1 record and a playoff berth. He was named to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career.
Continued success
Cousins continued to play well in 2017 and 2018, leading the Redskins to a combined 19-13 record. He was named to the Pro Bowl both years.
Free agency
Cousins became a free agent in 2018, and he signed a fully guaranteed three-year, $84 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings. He has continued to play well in Minnesota, leading the Vikings to a 10-6 record in 2019 and a 7-9 record in 2020.

Cousins is one of the most successful quarterbacks in the NFL today. He is a talented passer with a quick release and good accuracy. He is also a good leader and a hard worker. Cousins is a valuable asset to any team, and he is one of the best quarterbacks in the league.

5. Russell Wilson

Russell Wilson was selected by the Seattle Seahawks in the third round of the 2012 NFL QB Draft. He was not expected to be a starting quarterback in the NFL, but he eventually won the starting job in Seattle and led the team to a Super Bowl victory in 2014. Wilson is now one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, and he is one of the most popular players in the league.

Wilson's success in Seattle is a reminder that sometimes a change of scenery can be just what a player needs. Wilson was never able to live up to expectations in Green Bay, but he has found success in Seattle. This is a lesson that other players and teams can learn from.

Wilson's success is also a reminder that anything is possible in the NFL. Wilson was a third-round pick who was not expected to be a starting quarterback in the NFL. However, he has worked hard and proven that he is one of the best quarterbacks in the league. This is a story that should inspire all players, regardless of their draft status.

6. Disappointment

Missed Expectations
The biggest disappointment of the 2012 NFL QB Draft is that none of the quarterbacks selected have developed into elite players. Andrew Luck, the top overall pick, has had a solid career but has not been able to lead the Indianapolis Colts to a Super Bowl. Robert Griffin III, the second overall pick, showed promise early in his career but has since struggled with injuries and inconsistency. Ryan Tannehill, the third overall pick, has been a solid starter for the Miami Dolphins but has not been able to elevate the team to contender status.
Injuries
Injuries have played a major role in the disappointment of the 2012 NFL QB Draft. Andrew Luck has missed significant time due to injuries, and Robert Griffin III has never been able to stay healthy for an entire season. Injuries have also derailed the careers of other quarterbacks selected in the draft, such as Matt Barkley and Landry Jones.
Lack of Development
Some of the quarterbacks selected in the 2012 NFL QB Draft have simply not developed as expected. Kirk Cousins, who was selected in the fourth round by the Washington Redskins, is one of the few quarterbacks from the draft class who has developed into a solid starter. However, Cousins is not an elite quarterback, and he has not been able to lead the Redskins to a Super Bowl.
Missed Opportunities
The 2012 NFL QB Draft was a missed opportunity for several teams. The Indianapolis Colts, Washington Redskins, and Miami Dolphins all used high draft picks on quarterbacks who have not developed into franchise-changing players. These teams could have used those picks to select other players who could have helped them win Super Bowls.

Overall, the 2012 NFL QB Draft was a disappointment. None of the quarterbacks selected have developed into elite players, and several teams missed out on opportunities to select players who could have helped them win Super Bowls.

7. Missed Expectations

Lack of Elite Quarterbacks
The biggest disappointment of the 2012 NFL QB Draft is that none of the quarterbacks selected have developed into elite players. Andrew Luck, the top overall pick, has had a solid career but has not been able to lead the Indianapolis Colts to a Super Bowl. Robert Griffin III, the second overall pick, showed promise early in his career but has since struggled with injuries and inconsistency. Ryan Tannehill, the third overall pick, has been a solid starter for the Miami Dolphins but has not been able to elevate the team to contender status.
Injuries
Injuries have played a major role in the disappointment of the 2012 NFL QB Draft. Andrew Luck has missed significant time due to injuries, and Robert Griffin III has never been able to stay healthy for an entire season. Injuries have also derailed the careers of other quarterbacks selected in the draft, such as Matt Barkley and Landry Jones.
Lack of Development
Some of the quarterbacks selected in the 2012 NFL QB Draft have simply not developed as expected. Kirk Cousins, who was selected in the fourth round by the Washington Redskins, is one of the few quarterbacks from the draft class who has developed into a solid starter. However, Cousins is not an elite quarterback, and he has not been able to lead the Redskins to a Super Bowl.

The 2012 NFL QB Draft was a missed opportunity for several teams. The Indianapolis Colts, Washington Redskins, and Miami Dolphins all used high draft picks on quarterbacks who have not developed into franchise-changing players. These teams could have used those picks to select other players who could have helped them win Super Bowls.

FAQs about the 2012 NFL QB Draft

Question 1: Which quarterbacks were selected in the first round of the 2012 NFL QB Draft?

Answer: Andrew Luck (Indianapolis Colts), Robert Griffin III (Washington Redskins), and Ryan Tannehill (Miami Dolphins)

Question 2: Has any quarterback from the 2012 NFL QB Draft won a Super Bowl?

Answer: Russell Wilson, who was selected in the third round by the Seattle Seahawks, has won a Super Bowl.

Question 3: Which quarterback from the 2012 NFL QB Draft has had the most successful career?

Answer: Russell Wilson has had the most successful career, winning a Super Bowl and being named to multiple Pro Bowls.

Question 4: Which quarterback from the 2012 NFL QB Draft has been the most disappointing?

Answer: Andrew Luck has been the most disappointing, as he has not been able to lead the Indianapolis Colts to a Super Bowl and has missed significant time due to injuries.

Question 5: What are some of the reasons why the 2012 NFL QB Draft was considered a disappointment?

Answer: Some of the reasons why the 2012 NFL QB Draft was considered a disappointment include the lack of elite quarterbacks, injuries, and lack of development.

Summary

The 2012 NFL QB Draft was a disappointment, as none of the quarterbacks selected have developed into elite players. Russell Wilson has had the most successful career, but he was not selected in the first round. Andrew Luck has been the most disappointing, as he has not been able to lead the Indianapolis Colts to a Super Bowl and has missed significant time due to injuries.

Transition

For more information about the 2012 NFL QB Draft, please visit the following resources:

NFL Draft History: 2012
2012 NFL Season

Conclusion

The 2012 NFL QB Draft was a highly anticipated event, but it ultimately failed to live up to the hype. None of the quarterbacks selected have developed into elite players, and several teams missed out on opportunities to select players who could have helped them win Super Bowls.

The lack of elite quarterbacks in the 2012 NFL Draft is a reminder that even the most talented players can fail to meet expectations. It is also a reminder that the NFL is a tough league, and even the best players can struggle to stay healthy.

Despite the disappointment of the 2012 NFL QB Draft, there are still several talented quarterbacks in the league today. These quarterbacks are capable of leading their teams to success, and they will be looking to prove themselves in the years to come.