In the run up to this year’s Combine, it was either assumed or mutually agreed that Andrew Luck represented the number one choice in the 2012 Draft. In fact, it has long been considered the Stanford University quarterback would be the first choice in whichever Draft he entered since he first burst on to the college football scene in 2009/10.
What that has meant is that any other quarterback entering the Draft alongside Luck would always be second choice, and that’s exactly where Baylor graduate Robert Griffin III, or ‘RG3’ finds himself.
The great thing about the Combine is that players have the chance to exceed expectations and more eyes are laid upon the QB prospects than any other players as they are put through their paces. Although most choose not to throw a football at the Combine (they tend to set up their own days when they can throw in comfortable surroundings and to receivers they are used to playing with), there are still opportunities to impress any potential suitors.
Coming into the Combine, there were a few concerns about RG3, principal amongst which being his height. Stated at 6’2”, it was actually feared he was closer to 6’. For any QB, that is pushing the low end of ideal quite a bit. Most QB’s in the NFL vary in height but average around 6’4” or 6’5”. The ability to see over the defensive line and down the field is crucial and every inch helps.
If RG3 could have exceeded expectations any more, then I’m not sure how. He actually measured in at 6’2 ¾” (those three quarters proving all important) and with a background in track & field and particularly high hurdling, he is known to be quick but he clocked 4.41s for the 40yd dash, which is outstanding for a QB (the very best wide receivers do well to go sub 4.3s).
Robert Griffin III & Andrew Luck at the NFL Combine
However above all his physical attributes, his character and work ethic shone through. With a military background, RG3 has the temperament and attitude that all the NFL teams look for in a young QB. To have those qualities at such a young age goes a long way towards bagging a very healthy offer from the NFL.
Andrew Luck is a quality quarterback, of that there is no doubt. What makes the ‘contest’ between the two top Draft picks so intriguing is their differing styles. This, again, is where I think RG3 trumps Luck.
Luck is very much in the mould of Aaron Rodgers - he is great in the pocket, has all the throws but is not massively mobile, though more than the likes of Peyton Manning or Ben Roethlisberger. RG3, on the other hand, is more what many are calling the ‘modern’ NFL QB, one who has the throws, has the arm strength but also has that ability to make plays himself and is comfortable stepping out of the pocket and light on his feet, much more in the mould of Michael Vick or last year’s number one pick Cam Newton.
Let’s not forget either that RG3 won the Heisman Trophy over Andrew Luck this year, the award presented to the best college football player (Luck also lost out the previous year as well).
All this may have you thinking, why is RG3 not the automatic first pick? Certainly, he has done himself no harm in the past week and has probably moved further up the wish list for many of the teams competing for his services. It may still be a foregone conclusion that Luck is on his way to first pick team the Indianapolis Colts, but there are so many other teams vying for young Griffin. The question after this year’s Combine is who wants him most?
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