#40. Ryan Tannehill
Rookie
College: Texas A&M
Career Achievements: 2x Honorable Mention All-Big 12
62.53% completion percentage, 5,450 yards, 42 TD, 21 INT
369 rushing yards, 5 TD
1596 receiving yards, 10 TD
(All collegiate)
Now, let me start by saying that Tannehill’s last place ranking is not as much a reflection of his ability, as much as it is a reflection of the fact that he’s simply not ready. Of all the QBs taken as potential franchise players, he is the least ready. Now the Dolphins have repeatedly stated that Tannehill is out of the running to be the starting QB for game 1, so why even consider him on this list? Because whether he’s ready or not, he will get a start late in the season because no matter how impressive Garrard or Moore play, if the Dolphins are struggling come the end of the season, Tannehill will get playing time.
Now what are Tannehill’s strengths and weaknesses? Why did the Dolphins take him 8th overall, but then decide that he’s not good enough to compete for the job?
Tannehill is relatively quick for a QB, he possess receiver speed but isn’t too dynamic when it comes to running the football, that said, he is quick in the pocket and release is short and effective. Scouts have said that he has a strong arm that can make all NFL style throws, and is the most accurate passer on the run (out of the 2012 QB class).
Where does he come up short? He has limited experience as a starting QB, he played WR for two years, started 7 games as a Junior and finally all 13 during his senior season. This makes him no different than one Joe Webb in Minnesota, and as we’ve seen from Webb, it still takes a few games in the NFL to get your proverbial feet wet. In OTAs and mini-camps, it’s been reported that Tannehill’s decision making is questionable and he’ll often throw into double coverage, trying to flex his arm. Can’t do that at the next level.
I don’t know what Tannehill’s ceiling is, but I do know what his valley is, and right now, starting any NFL games would be disastrous (I’ve been wrong before though), he needs time to watch and learn, maybe get a few snaps in here or there.
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