NFL Draft: Why Robert Griffin III Is Better Than Andrew Luck

We all know Andrew Luck is good. Every football fan knows Andrew Luck is good.

But does America know how good Robert Griffin III is?

Let us take a look at Luck and Griffin's statistics during the previous two years.

In virtually all categories during their latest collegiate year, their statistics are extremely close. However, there are a few important things to note. Griffin threw six less turnovers during those two years. Luck had a much more impressive year in 2010, and because Luck had a spectacular red-shirt sophomore year—he gets an instant boost of consistency.

However, Griffin was a more accurate passer in his last collegiate year, which is an important skill to have in the NFL. I will give Luck the advantage in the passing game, but only because he is consistent. He had back-to-back pro-caliber years. 

Don't give Luck too much credit. Griffin is very close behind.

The major difference maker is Griffin's explosiveness in the running game. Being an agile quarterback can make one successful in the NFL. The ability to evade a sack can give a quarterback a few extra critical seconds to make a good throw.

Griffin is no Atlanta Falcons-era Michael Vick. But, he can add a dangerous offensive alternative to any team—instantly.

Luck does have a much more prototypical style. His throwing motion is incredible. He will make big throws, every game. Don't expect him to ever shy away from a pressure situation. He has the guts to take the reins in those crucial moments and deliver.

Griffin is a lot more like Cam Newton than people realize. He will throw off of his back foot occasionally. He does air out a lot of his throws, meaning he will have trouble with NFL secondaries. He also has a Heisman Trophy, but that is beside the point.

Griffin is more explosive. And as a defensive player I would be more worried about Griffin because he is a dual-threat quarterback. If a team's passing game is struggling, a dual-threat quarterback can lift a team to victory—especially if he is equally dangerous as both a runner and passer.

A perfect example of what a stellar dual-threat quarterback can be is Cam Newton. I imagine Griffin having a first year similar to Newton's.

I imagine Luck being somewhat of a toss-up. Griffin has the extra element in his game that will lift a team to those tough victories. Luck is just going to throw the ball. He might run out of the pocket, if the situation is dire. But, an NFL defense can handle any dual-threat ability Luck can muster.

I am not saying Luck is not as good as Griffin. Luck is going to be a good NFL quarterback. There is no doubt in my mind that he will have a successful career.

I am saying, if I have the first pick in this year's NFL draft, I would pick Griffin first—without hesitation.