Robert Griffin III Shines at Combine

Added on Feb 27, 2012 by Scott in

NFL

Being the “star” of the NFL’s annual cattle call known as the Scouting Combine can be a good thing or bad thing. Baylor quarterback and Heisman Trophy-winner Robert Griffin III is hoping it’s the former. He dazzled player personnel gurus and network talking heads with his speed and athleticism, and impressed seemingly everyone in his one-on-one interviews, but his decision not to throw still raised eyebrows.

A lot of big name prospects don’t throw at the Combine. Consensus top pick Andrew Luck didn’t throw either. However, Cam Newton did in 2011, and poorly by the way, but still ended up being the number one selection, and went on to have a pretty good (understatement) rookie season.

Griffin admitted to being ready and willing to put his arm on display, although he stands by his decision not to.

“I really did, and I kept inching forward. The Cleveland coaches were telling me they could see it in me — they saw I wanted to be out there throwing,” Griffin said. “I tried to come out and show that I am a competitor with the running and the jumping and doing those things. … I’m excited to throw, but I have to let that be another day….”

That other day will be Baylor’s Pro Day on March 21st. Unless he looks absolutely terrible, it’s unlikely a few errant tosses will affect his draft stock. With a number of teams in need of a franchise quarterback, RGIII should be a Top 10 selection.

Cleveland at #4, Washington at #6 and Miami at #8 are the most likely destinations for Griffin. Seattle would have to trade up from #12 for a shot at him, but they didn’t interview him at the Combine, so the speculation is they aren’t interested, or are unwilling to pay the price it would cost to move into the Top 5.

Griffin shredded the competition in 2011, throwing for 4293 yards and 37 touchdowns on his way to capturing the Heisman Trophy.

Source: NFL.com