Washington Redskins 2012 Draft: The Case for Andrew Luck

Since they traded with the St. Louis Rams for the second overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft, it has just been assumed that the Washington Redskins will take Baylor's Robert Griffin III.

However, that assumption has only been made based on a similar supposed certainty that the Indianapolis Colts will use the top pick to select Stanford's Andrew Luck.

Recent events are starting to alter these once iron-clad convictions. These events have turned rumors that the Colts could opt for Griffin from slight whispers to outright rumblings.

The fact that the Colts attended Griffin's pro day was the first sign. While this may simply have been a case of due diligence, why attend at all, if Luck is the unanimous choice?

Colts owner Jim Irsay then fuelled the fires by proclaiming that the team has not made a final decision between Luck or Griffin.

As unlikely as it once appeared, Redskins fans—even those whose delicate sensibilities cannot bear even the suggestion of anyone other than Griffin—must start to contemplate the merits of Luck in D.C.

Luck Operated a Pro-Style Offense at Stanford

The value of this cannot be overstated. The fact that Luck operated a pro-style offense at the collegiate level gives him an advantage over Griffin.

It also indicates a possible quicker transition to starting in the NFL. Offense has changed during the last few seasons, and some elements of spread football have been incorporated into pro playbooks.

However, few of those elements are noticeable in the Mike Shanahan blueprint for scoring points. This writer has commented before that Griffin's spread experience and tendencies may not translate smoothly to what is a rather regimented Shanahan offense in Washington.

Luck would have no such trouble, having operated a version of the West Coast scheme similar to the one favoured by Shanahan.

Luck Has the Mobility and Play-Action Skills That Shanahan Covets

Many have suggested, and with some justification, that Griffin is a perfect fit for Washington because of his athleticism and mobility. However, the same is also true of Luck, who possesses good movement in and around the pocket.

The Stanford ace is mobile enough to make plays with his feet and has the arm strength and accuracy to be very effective on the move and outside the pocket.

Luck is also a better proponent of the play-action game than Griffin. Play-action rollouts are a key element of the Shanahan system, and Luck's expertise in this area make him a natural fit for the scheme.

Luck Knows How to Utilise a Tight End and Would Form a Lethal Partnership with Fred Davis

Luck's favourite target at Stanford was tight end Coby Fleener. The two teamed together to exploit both the underneath and vertical zones.

The Redskins' best receiver is tight end Fred Davis, a player also possessing the combination of size and speed to attack any area of the field. In partnership with Luck, Davis could be expected to break 1,000 yards and ensure a successful debut campaign for the rookie passer.

Conclusion

Luck proved at his pro day that he can run the kind of offense that Washington's Shanahan likes.

Arguments are also building that suggest the Colts could favour Griffin come draft day. Yahoo! Sports speculated that new Colts offensive coordinator Bruce Arians' penchant for spread-style offensive designs could make Griffin the better choice.

Although the decision on where they play will ultimately be made for them, Luck's play-action technique and pro-style scheme experience arguably makes him the best fit for the Redskins.