2012 NFL Mock Draft: Analysis on Robert Griffin III, Andrew Luck and Top QBs

Wes StueveJun 7, 2018

For most fans, it is officially time for the 2012 NFL draft.

As everyone knows, the center of every draft is the quarterback position. This year, Stanford's Andrew Luck and Baylor's Robert Griffin III lead the pack.

It's one thing to simply say Andrew Luck is the best quarterback in the draft. It's another to analyze what makes him so good.

Saying Landry Jones is horrible doesn't accomplish much. Explaining why he's horrible does.

And a mock draft never hurt things, did it? Let's dig in and then go over a mock draft of the full first round.

Landry Jones, Oklahoma

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Early in the 2011 season, many felt Landry Jones was a top-10 pick. Now, many don't think he's even a first-rounder.

Jones is one of the most talented quarterbacks in college football. The 6'4", 235-pounder possesses a rocket arm to go along with his prototype size. Jones passes the eyeball test and then some.

Unfortunately, Jones doesn't have too many more positives. The Oklahoma quarterback's accuracy is erratic at best, and his decision making questionable on a good day.

Most quarterbacks throw interceptions because of bad decisions or inaccuracy. Jones is one of the few who throws them for both reasons.

With his elite physical skills, Jones obviously has potential. At this point, however, it would be a mistake for Jones to enter the draft because he simply isn't ready for the NFL.

Ryan Tannehill, Texas A&M

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As a former wide receiver, Ryan Tannehill is, not surprisingly, raw. Obviously, Tannehill is an excellent athlete but the rest of his physical skills are also well above-average.

At 6'4", 230 pounds, Tannehill is tall and has the bulk to hold up under an NFL beating. The Aggie star possesses a strong arm and can easily complete challenging passes.

Tannehill is also relatively accurate, and his ball placement does not need to improve in order to be effective at the next level.

On the other hand, Tannehill desperately needs to improve his decision-making. He will throw several boneheaded passes in every game. Tannehill needs to improve at reading the defense and going through his progressions.

Tannehill's release could use some work as well. His throwing motion isn't necessarily long, but it is awkward and could cause inconsistencies.

As a project, Tannehill is easily worth a second-round pick, but he will be drafted before then and could even crack the top ten.

Robert Griffin III, Baylor

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Prior to becoming a Heisman candidate, Robert Griffin was an intriguing NFL prospect. Griffin provides a unique blend of running and passing skills, and truly is a dual-threat quarterback.

As a passer, Griffin has a strong arm and can complete passes to all parts of the field with a quick flick of the wrist. Griffin's deep ball is simply fantastic, and he has an uncanny ability to place the ball perfectly.

A 72.4 completion percentage suggests Griffin is accurate, and the film confirms it, as Griffin is rarely off target. The Baylor quarterback is extremely intelligent and does a fantastic job of reading the defense.

What really sets Griffin apart, though, is his mobility. With legitimate track-star speed, Griffin can run by not only defensive linemen, but linebackers and defensive backs as well. Griffin isn't as shifty as Michael Vick, but he can elude defenders.

When it comes to passing from the pocket, Griffin still has room for improvement. Griffin doesn't seem too comfortable standing in the pocket, and often takes off running before he goes through all his progressions.

At just 6'2", 220 pounds, Griffin is undersized. This lack of height can cause problems in seeing receivers and having passes batted down by defensive linemen. Combined with his running tendencies, Griffin's lack of bulk could lead to injury issues.

Griffin could actually improve his arm strength by using his lower body more in his throwing motion, and this would make him even more dominant.

Griffin's ability to dominate as a runner and passer is rare. Few prospects are so dominant in both aspects, and this unique skill-set makes RG3 an elite prospect.

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Andrew Luck, Stanford

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If he had entered the draft last year, Andrew Luck would have been the No. 1 pick. After a year of development, Luck is not only the best player in the draft—he's the best player in a decade.

Physically, Luck is an impressive prospect. He stands tall at 6'4", 235 pounds and possesses above-average arm strength. It isn't talked about too often, but Luck is actually a great athlete and can escape from pressure with ease.

Though Luck's accuracy isn't elite, it is excellent. In recent years, only Sam Bradford was more accurate, and Luck can fire the ball into the tightest of gaps.

Luck's physical skills alone make him an impressive prospect, but it's his mental abilities that set him apart. Luck can easily dissect a defense and find the open receiver before the play even starts.

The Stanford quarterback rapidly goes through all his progressions before throwing the ball, and even as he scrambles, he keeps his eyes downfield.

Luck's mechanics are excellent, and his release is already quicker than most NFL quarterback's. Luck could do a better job of stepping into his throws and generating more velocity, though.

In all honesty, Luck doesn't have many weaknesses. His arm isn't a rocket, but it is more than strong enough.

On the whole, Luck possesses impressive physical skills, but his mechanics and intelligence make him the elite prospect he is.