5 Rookie QBs to Watch Today

Peyton who? Rookie quarterbacks are looking to rule on any given Sunday this year. And as the NFL kicks off its first Sunday of the 2012 season, five teams are placing their fates in the hands of rookie starters—up from the previous record of three in 1960. The Christian Science Monitor runs down the five:

• Andrew Luck, Indianapolis: The Colts are looking to the No. 1 draft pick to fill the shoes of that other No. 1 draft pick of yore, and so far, so good. The “the most NFL-ready rookie quarterback” is picking the game up quickly and looks well-positioned to lead Indy through a rebuilding year.

• Robert Griffin III, Washington: The No. 2 overall pick and Heisman winner saw little time on the preseason field, but maintained a 103.3 QB rating. The Redskins might just be being cagey about how they'll use him.
• Ryan Tannehill, Miami: Fresh out of Texas A&M, Tannehill was drafted No. 8 overall by a Dolphin squad desperately seeking some stability at QB. He's the first rookie to start in franchise history.
• Brandon Weedon, Cleveland: The 28-year-old spent years trying to make it as an MLB pitcher before playing for the Oklahoma State Cowboys, where he defeated teams led by the three QBs drafted higher than he was.
• Russell Wilson, Seattle: At 5'-11", he's the smallest of the rookie QBs, but throws and runs like a giant. “He is so prepared," says coach Pete Carroll. "He doesn’t seem like a first-year player.”

Click for more QBs from the class of 2012. (More Andrew Luck stories.)