NFL

4/26/2012

“NFL DRAFT”

The “1s” and “2s”:

The NFL Draft is today and we are all pretty certain who will go #1 and #2, respectively. The Colts are sold on Stanford’s Andrew Luck to pick up where Peyton left off and, hopefully, take them beyond where Manning has, in the next decade or so for the Colts franchise.  Sitting with the #2 pick is the Washington Redskins and most of the sports world are, all but certain, that Baylor’s Robert Griffin III will be their selection.  Both of these QB’s are franchise changers, obviously, but which QB would you pick?  On one side, you have Luck who very easily could have gone #1 last year with the Panthers.  On the other hand, you have Heisman Trophy Winner RGIII whose dual threat ability coming out of college is unparalleled.  In the NFL, the game is forever evolving especially at the QB position; where RGIII’s skill set could pan out to be a better fit especially in Washington, who already has a young stable defense.  Luck isn’t a slug on the scramble like his predecessor Manning was, but you best believe he is no RGIII.  Yet though, for a QB Luck has the intangibles, arm strength, and accuracy to be the next John Elway most scouts say.  The only thing is the Colts have no other pieces going forward; so, it is going to take this franchise quite a while before Luck’s true ability can be complimented.  RGIII, on the other hand, is walking into a pretty solid situation with Washington who picked up Pierre Garcon, a solid receiver, to compliment Moss and one of my favorite tight-ends, Cooley.  With his scrambling ability, we might see another Cam Newton type of rookie campaign for RGIII.  The knock question I ask myself when it comes to RGIII is simple . . . can he be productive in a pro-style offense, or will the Redskins revolve their scheme around his talents?  For Luck, my worries are how will he respond to the punishment I’m positive he is about to get in his rookie season with Indianapolis?  Will his confidence affect his skill?  All of these are questions that, of course, will only be answered on the field.  The last two QB’s selected with the #2 pick has been Donovan McNabb and the infamous Ryan Leaf.  I’m pretty sure RGIII will last longer than Leaf and, hopefully, be more welcomed to Washington then McNabb was. As for Luck . . . well, all I can say is GOOD LUCK!!!!