The success of a team often hinges on the production at the quarterback position.

So says GIL BRANDT, who oversaw the Dallas Cowboys' personnel department for 29 years and currently shares his gridiron knowledge as a senior analyst for NFL.com.

"The NFL is a quarterback-driven league and we have some great quarterbacks under center in 2012," Brandt says. Brandt, who also visits college campuses for draft analysis on NFL.com, sees plenty of quarterback talent coming up the pike.

"The quarterbacks we see in college now are so much better than ones we saw 20-25 years ago, simply because teams are throwing the ball so much more," says Brandt. "I think the group of quarterbacks coming out this year will be every bit as good as some of the quarterback classes we have had in the past."

Following are Brandt's choices for the top QBs in college today (listed alphabetically):

Matt Barkley, Southern California

"He has started since he was a freshman at USC. He has very good arm strength and accuracy. He set a Pac-12 record with 39 TD passes last year. He has great leadership qualities and will be the first player at USC to be a three-time team captain."

Landry Jones, Oklahoma

"He was named after former Cowboys head coach and Pro Football Hall of Famer Tom Landry. He has 93 career touchdown passes. He provides size, accuracy and intelligence at the quarterback position."

Geno Smith, West Virginia

"He has started 26 games over the past two seasons with 55 TDs and has passed for over 7,100 yards. He has outstanding athletic ability and very good arm strength."

Logan Thomas, Virginia Tech

"He is an outstanding athlete. He played tight end in high school until his senior year. He has a strong arm and good running ability. He set the school season record with 11 rush TDs last season. He has huge upside."

Tyler Wilson, Arkansas

"Last season was his first year as a starter after playing behind Ryan Mallett in 2009 and 2010. He set a school single-game record with 510 passing yards vs. Texas A&M last year at Cowboys Stadium. He is mentally tough and a fierce competitor."

Brandt's Honorable Mentions

Tyler Bray, Tennessee; A.J. McCarron, Alabama; E.J. Manuel, Florida State; Aaron Murray, Georgia; Casey Pachall, TCU; Keith Price, Washington; Denard Robinson, Michigan.

 

The talent pool will only deepen with these five high school seniors, rated in order of talent by CBS Sports Network recruiting expert TOM LEMMING:

Max Browne 6-5/205 Skyline (WA)

"He has led his team to two consecutive state championships and has thrown for over 8,000 yards in the past two seasons combined. He is a pro-style quarterback that can throw the deep ball with authority."

Tyrone Swoopes 6-5/220 Whitewright (TX)

"His aunt is former professional basketball player Sheryl Swoopes. He's big, athletic and has a good arm. He has great running skills for a big quarterback that complements his game."

Shane Morris 6-3/190 De La Salle (MI)

"He's a left-handed quarterback and is a precision passer. He was All-State in Michigan and gets the job done. His stock is really soaring."

Cody Thomas 6-5/215 Heritage (TX)

"He has great size and can run. Last year he threw for over 3,000 yards with 36 touchdowns. His arm strength is incredible and he has the potential to become a big-time star."

Kevin Olsen 6-4/200 Wayne Hills (NJ)

"His brother is Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen. He has great leadership qualities and has a strong arm. He can definitely operate a pro-style offense."

Lemming's Honorable Mentions

Ryan Burns, Stone Bridge (VA); Christian Hackenberg, Fork Union Military Academy (VA); Jalin Marshall, Middletown (OH); Johnathon McCrary, Cedar Grove (GA); Brice Ramsey, Camden County (GA).

 

 

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