When evaluating college players, and projecting them to the NFL, I often feel
as if I can never watch enough snaps, enough throws, enough games to reach a
conclusion with which I am comfortable. This is particularly true of
quarterbacks.
Which brings me to Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III. Before I began my film
study I had heard that Luck was the most NFL-ready quarterback to come out since
Peyton Manning in 1998. The son of a former college and NFL quarterback, an
Academic All-American and well-schooled in a pro-style offense at Stanford, Luck
was being called a day one NFL starter and a great player. In many ways, it was
pre-ordained.
Griffin’s rise appeared more meteoric. Although he started as a true freshman
in 2008, it really wasn’t until this past season that folks celebrated the
shining star that was RGIII. While Luck was always steady and constant, RGIII
was spectacular and breathtaking. Different players in different offenses asked
to do different things.
I have watched 5 games of both Luck and Griffin, all from their final
collegiate season. Is that enough? Some might say yes, others no. Here’s what I
saw. Luck ran a very controlled and condensed offense that featured multiple
tight end personnel and a high percentage of compressed formations. He had a lot
of freedom at the line of scrimmage to call plays and make adjustments based on
defensive fronts and coverages. That’s an essential attribute as he transitions
to the NFL, one that has dramatically increased in importance in the last number
of years with the complexity and sophistication of defenses. There’s no question
Luck is well ahead of the learning curve in that area.
Luck was an economical player who was at his best as a timing and rhythm,
short to intermediate passer. 3 and 5 step drops, quick throws. He primarily
made efficient throws to open receivers. The deeper throws were what we call
shot plays, primarily with play action, specifically designed to attack an
anticipated coverage based on field position, down and distance, personnel and
formation. On those plays, the receiver was wide open. They were not difficult
passes.
