The 2012 NFL Draft: Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III, who is the real number one?
We all know that the Indianapolis Colts have the first pick of the 2012 NFL draft, the question is not what position they will draft for the question is who they will draft. Granted as of right now Griffin III has not declared for the NFL draft, but it is hard to believe that he would stay in school after the season he had at Baylor. The overwhelming majority of analysts that follow the college and pro football game at the start of the season had, whoever picked number one taking Stanford’s Andrew Luck but no one anticipated the year that Griffin III would have as he shocked much of the college football world. In this article we want to look at both of these outstanding players and how their talents would fit in Indianapolis. We also want to look at what could be for the Colts, not if but when, they draft Peyton Manning’s successor.
The Indianapolis Colts have relied on Peyton Manning for many years to lead not only the team but also the whole organization to the playoff promise land. Manning, a first ballot hall of famer, has had an amazing career in Indianapolis and it is yet to be seen if it has ended. Many have been speculating that with a neck injury we may have seen Manning’s last days as the Colts quarterback but that remains to be seen. Nevertheless the Indianapolis Colts need to have “the heir to the throne” in place as his career is coming to an end. Enter the 2012 draft:
For Andrew Luck (6’4” 235 lbs.) the 2011 season came with many accolades and high expectations. The Stanford product was touted as the “next big thing” by many around the college game and with good reason. In 2011 Luck had a great season accumulating 3,517 yards, 37 touchdowns with 10 interceptions. Luck is mentally ready, so it seems, for the NFL game and he is physically matured enough to handle the rigors of the of the NFL schedule. The key to Andrew Luck, as I see, is his mind; he seems to know the offensive game but moreover he understands the key is to read defenses to set himself and his offense up for the best possible situation. Many quarterbacks come into the league with a need to develop their minds to understand how the NFL game works, with Luck he is ready to step in and play immediately, but if he gets the chance to sit behind Manning for a year it would only make him a better student of the game and allow him to sharpen his skills for the next level.
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With Robert Griffin III (6’2” 220 lbs.) it was a shock and awe type season, many knew how explosive he was but no one knew the type of year he would have in 2011 (4,293 yards, 37 touchdowns, 7 interceptions). For Baylor it was the RG3 show and it was a good one leading Baylor to a bowl game and Griffin III to a Heisman trophy. There is no doubt that RG3 has all the physical tools for the NFL game, not only can he run the ball but he also has the arm strength to get the job done in the NFL. One of the strengths of RG3 is his character which will make him a high 1 st round draft pick; he is physically and mentally tough and seems that he is willing to learn. If the Colts take RG3 it would be unconventional as Manning is primarily a pocket passer but Griffin III could learn behind one of the games best quarterbacks and eventually would step in with confidence and a definite advantage for years to come.
The question for the Indianapolis Colts; is the same I ask you: Who would you take as the first pick of the 2012 NFL draft? Both are extraordinary talents and bring different things to the table but which is best suited to the needs of the Indianapolis Colts? Will Manning be ready to play in 2012? The Colts are looking to return to form in 2012 but who will lead them there, we will see as only time will tell.
By Sam Adams
Pro Football Fans Staff Writer