Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III will forever be compared because they were the top two selections in the 2012 NFL Draft. While I believe both will be solid fantasy options—both the short-term and over the long-haul—there will be a difficult decision to make on the two rookie signal-callers in dynasty and re-draft leagues.
It’s hard not like what both Luck and RGIII bring to the table.
Both of them will be capable of delivering from the get-go with their arm and their feet.
Luck is more athletic than given credit for, while RG3 is a better passer than perceived.
Both of them possess the mental makeup to quickly become quality starting quarterbacks.
Photo Credit: Ned Dishman/Redskins.com
Not only do they have what it takes upstairs to learn complex NFL offenses, but they also have the mental toughness to tackle the challenges that come with their clubs being in the position they were to draft them in the first place.
However, between the two of them, I prefer Griffin. For starters, he is not replacing a legend.
While Washington has a great heritage, it hasn’t had a quality starting signal-caller in years.
Meanwhile, Luck is replacing a legend as well as an institution. It’s safe to say no other quarterback in the history of the league has ever had as much to do with the success of a franchise as Peyton Manning.
“The 6-4, 235-pound product will have his hands full taking over operations for one of the greatest players in NFL history,” GridironGrit.com Analyst Oren Shiri noted just before the start of the three-day festivities.
Shiri also mentioned that Luck would face “an even tougher task with the recent departures of Pierre Garcon, Dallas Clark, Joseph Addai, Gary Brackett and Melvin Bullitt, among others. At least luck will be on his side.”
Garcon is now in Washington, Clark was shipped to the Buccaneers and Addai landed with New England. Brackett and Bullitt are still on the open market.
Photo Credit: Colts.com
Is Luck equipped to deal with this type of pressure? Sure, but it won’t be easy. Plus, the team was built to play in Manning’s offense, so it will take some time to make the transition. Contrary to Indy, the Washington Redskins aren’t starting from scratch and scrapping everything. Instead, they’ve been adding weapons right and left.
The Redskins are stacked with young talent on offense at tight end, wide receiver and in the backfield. Fred Davis was coming on last year prior to his suspension.
If he makes the team, Santana Moss, 33, could bounce back in the slot receiver role.
In re-draft leagues I definitely prefer the Heisman winner over Luck. I still give RG3 the edge in dynasty leagues as well, but it’s close. Who do you prefer in the short and long term?
RELATED: How Successful Will RGIII Be in the NFL? (By NFL Insider Barry Barnes)
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