Ryan Tannehill’s Stock Is Rising

Added on Mar 29, 2012 by Scott in

NFL

With Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III locked into the top two spots in the upcoming NFL draft, the destination of the next quarterback in the rankings has become a hot topic of conversation. On the heels of a quality performance at his pro day, Texas A&M’s Ryan Tannehill is angling to go in the top 5 and could be selected by Cleveland with the fourth overall pick.

Tannehill was flying well below the radar entering his senior season at College Station. The 6’4″, 222-pound signal-caller proceeded to wow scouts and draft pundits after throwing for 3,744 yards, 29 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. In addition, he displayed decent mobility by running for 306 yards and four scores.

Cleveland’s attempts to move into the number two spot to select Griffin III were thwarted by the Redskins shipping three first-rounders and a second-rounder to St. Louis. The Browns fallback plan could be to grab Tannehill at number four and hand him the keys to a rebuilding offense that lacks a legitimate receiving threat and just lost free agent running back Peyton Hillis to Kansas City.

Despite expressing confidence in Colt McCoy, it’s apparent the Browns are looking to add a big name quarterback prospect. Once Tannehill is off the board, there is a dearth of top-rated talent at the position. Kirk Cousins out of Michigan State and Oklahoma State’s Brandon Weeden are next in line, but neither has received a first-round grade.

The Dolphins are rumored to also be interested in Tannehill. Newly hired offensive coordinator Mike Sherman coached him in college, so he knows his strengths and weaknesses. After missing out on Peyton Manning and Matt Flynn, they settled for veteran David Garrard, but he’s a stopgap option at best.

It’s possible Cleveland is leaking interest in Tannehill to drum up potential trade partners. The team has glaring needs all over the roster. Moving back in the opening round and securing extra draft ammo might be the smartest course of action. Although, with Trent Richardson and Justin Blackmon likely available at number four, the Brownies would be foolish to pass them up, especially if they aren’t high on Tannehill.

Source: NFL.com