Football Expert Greg Cosell Analyzes Luck and Griffin: My Thoughts

I'll forgive you if you don't know the name Greg Cosell, but if you're a serious football fan, you should.

In addition to working at NFL Films for over 30 years as a producer, Cosell (nephew of Howard Cosell, yes THAT Howard Cosell) also watches more film than any of us could if we cloned ourselves, and he often takes to Twitter to share his thoughts.

This morning, we were all treated to his first take on top draft quarterbacks Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin:

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More Luck: Positives - Pocket movement, ability to re-set and deliver comfortably. Ability to manipulate safeties with eyes and shoulders.

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My Take: Luck's ability to look off safeties is preternatural. It shows that he can see and process the field instantly, an absolute must for NFL quarterbacks if they are going to be a success.

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More Luck: Another positive was willingness to let it loose v. man coverage, when the window was small. Have to do that in NFL to be elite.

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My Take: As I wrote in my scouting report of Luck, he trusts himself completely...almost to a fault. Still, as Cosell points out, if a quarterback can't do that, he'll be doomed to mediocrity at best.

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Did not see Luck as a special passer based on 3 gms I watched. 

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My Take: Not exactly what Colts fans want to hear. Still, this thought requires unpacking. Luck's anticipation, timing and intuitive grasp of reading defenses are all special and all involve passing. His arm strength is not, but this is pretty well known. Cosell will be sharing more thoughts on Luck in the coming weeks, and I'm sure he'll expound.

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More RGIII: Plays where he looked down gun barrel + delivered. A positive as he transitions. Threw from different arm angles. Also positive.

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My Take: As I wrote in my scouting report of Griffin, he plays with no fear. This will definitely accelerate his development and improve his results from day one.

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More RGIII: Threw excellent deep ball. Good trajectory + touch. Did not see many intermediate throws. Not as comfortable. Needs work there.

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My Take: I would even go as far as calling his deep accuracy "eerie." Cosell previously pointed out that Griffin can throw with different arm slots, but his deep ball can also come from non-ideal throwing platforms. This will make him a lethal quarterback when the play breaks down. Cosell points out Griffin's lack of intermediate throws, and I think this is especially glaring in the middle of the field. He'll have to learn to work that danger zone to succeed. Joe Flacco was brought along slowly in a similar fashion.

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More RGIII: Similarities to Vick. Fine line between playmaker + too many missed opportunities leaving pocket. Newton terrific as pocket QB.

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My Take: And here's the issue that probably be difference between Griffin the good and Griffin the great. Cosell is absolutely right that Cam Newton was an instant hit because of his ability throw from the pocket. He could only capitalize on his athleticism by being a credible threat to throw from the pocket. Griffin will have to overcome his tendency to leave the pocket prematurely to really hit his ceiling.