Kevin Kolb

Even as a below average starter in a division with intimidating defenses, Kolb could push for top-15 fantasy quarterback status in 2012 if he can go the whole year without suffering a concussion. The Cardinals have pass-happy tendencies, and the selection of Notre Dame receiver Michael Floyd with the 13th pick indicates that they plan to act on them. With the additions of Floyd and right tackle Bobby Massie (fourth round) in the draft and the return of 2011 second-round running back Ryan Williams (knee), Kolb’s supporting cast is significantly stronger this year. Although his touchdown-to-interception ratio (9:8 in 2011) might not be good, Kolb’s average of 7.7 yards per attempt last year gives reason to hope for a 4,000-yard season in 2012. Of course, he’ll have to hold off John Skelton, who played well at times last year, during training camp.

After winning the starting job in Philadelphia after years of backing up Donovan McNabb, Kolb ended up losing his job rather quickly to Michael Vick after going down with an injury. When the Eagles put the franchise tag on Vick, it was clear that Kolb was heading out of Philadelphia. His landing spot was the Arizona Cardinals, who traded Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and a second round pick for Kolb. In addition to a new team, Kolb was rewarded with a five-year contract extension worth $63 million, with over $20 million guaranteed. With a contract like that Kolb won't have to worry about being replaced anytime soon. There were a plethora or rumors before the trade as to where Kolb could have ended up, but with Larry Fitzgerald as his top wideout, Arizona may have been the best spot for Kolb to land.

Kolb is one of only 12 QBs in league history with fewer than 100 career completions who replaces a QB on a team that made the playoffs the prior year. There’s just not a lot of data to confidently project Kolb. That the Eagles like what they’ve seen off the field is essentially meaningless. Still this is an Andy Reid offense, which means that you can expect nearly 60 percent passing plays. The supporting cast is very good, with explosive wideouts DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin along with TE Brent Celek. Brian Westbrook was released, but LeSean McCoy was drafted to approximate him in the passing game — a tough task but he’ll at least be an asset. The major difference you’ll see relative to the Eagles with McNabb is more shorter passing. Another complicating factor for Kolb owners and the reason you don’t want him as your starter is you don’t know from week to week how much action he’ll lose to Michael Vick, especially on the goal line — bread and butter for a fantasy QB.

Kolb is Philadelphia's QB2, but with Donovan McNabb getting a contract extension after leading the team to the Conference Championship game, it will take an injury for Kolb to see the field in 2009.

Will act as backup quarterback to Donovan McNabb.

Philadelphia selected Kolb with the 36th pick in the NFL Draft, which gives him the title of "quarterback of the future." He has the tools to succeed, but it figures to be a steep learning curve, as Kolb played mostly in a shotgun style offense in college. He has some potential in keeper-leagues, but for 2007, he enters No. 3 on the depth chart and is unlikely to see much playing time.