Robert Griffin III: NFL Scouts Shouldn't Ignore RG3's Durability Concerns

This season, the durability concerns surrounding Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick came to a head, as he suffered rib and hand injuries during the year.

Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III, who just officially declared for the 2012 NFL draft and is widely considered a top-10 pick, is about the same weight as Vick and he's listed as two inches taller.

There are a vast amount of superlatives that have been tossed Griffin's way this season, and for good reason. He threw for over 4,200 yards and 37 touchdowns to just six interceptions while leading the Bears to a 67-56 Alamo Bowl victory.

Griffin has virtually everything you could want in a quarterback prospect: tremendous arm strength, accuracy, pocket poise, decision-making and running ability. But it's the latter that could get Griffin in trouble in the NFL.

Let me be clear: While Griffin rushed for 699 yards and 10 touchdowns this season, he may very well be a better passer than a runner. I'm not expecting him to take off down the field every play like the Vick of yore used to.

But Vick showed this season that even if you don't run as much being a dual-threat quarterback opens you up to big shots. Griffin is skinnier than Vick at this point and he simply can't take many big hits or he's not going to last very long in the NFL.

I'm not saying that any of this is going to change Griffin from being a top-10 pick, by the way. I have him going to the Washington Redskins at No. 6 overall this year (if he even gets there).

What I am saying is that NFL scouts and teams need to understand that he's not Cam Newton on the ground. He doesn't have the build to allow him to scramble too much. Teams need to be cautious with him and be aware that he's better off staying in the pocket as much as possible.

With Griffin, you have a quarterback who could develop into a Vick-like player, but you also have a quarterback who carries the same injury concerns.