NFL Draft 2012: Robert Griffin III and 10 Rookies Who Will Be Under Microscope

For Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III, the expectations have already been set to be franchise quarterbacks. Like many first-round draft picks, their first year in the NFL could make or break them.

There is always the pressure to perform at a high level and make a significant impact on a new team, but for those rookies viewed as game-changers, the magnifying glass is ever-present.

Last year Cam Newton answered the call and had one of the best rookie seasons of all time, while Blaine Gabbert struggled after becoming the starter in Jacksonville.

Here are some NFL prospects who will be under the gun this season.  

Robert Griffin III, QB

Even though Robert Griffin III may go second in this year's draft, there may be more pressure on the Heisman Trophy winner than on Andrew Luck.

The main reason: The Washington Redskins traded away their future for the present. The present, of course, is RGIII. 

Griffin may have to prove himself as quarterback for a franchise that has lacked consistency at the position.

That being said, he will always be linked to Luck because they will be the top two picks in the draft. Despite their differences, both players are great talents with high expectations to live up to.

Andrew Luck, QB

Try to replace Peyton Manning—that's what Andrew Luck will have to do if the Indianapolis Colts draft him.

Filling the shoes of a future Hall of Famer is never easy—just ask Steve Young or Aaron Rodgers—but in Luck's case, Manning is gone and he will be the starter at QB.

Not to mention Luck went back to play his junior season at Stanford, so there is just more for him to prove.

History is on Luck's side. Although Manning did pass for almost 4,000 yards his rookie season, the Colts only went 3-13 that year.

Still, Luck must bring Indianapolis back to relevancy, or he you may see him on the next list of top-10 draft busts.  

Ryan Tannehill, QB

Ryan Tannehill may be the biggest risk of this year's NFL draft, considering he switched from receiver to play quarterback just two years ago.

Although he threw for 3,744 yards and 29 TDs, he also tossed 15 INT and struggled in losses against Oklahoma State, Oklahoma and Texas with three picks in each game. 

Tannehill has major upside according to ESPN's Mel Kiper Jr. (Insider only), but like any quarterback who lacks experience, he has a lot to learn. Like many first-round quarterbacks, he will probably put into a starting role.

Whether Tannehill starts one game or all 16, he will be expected to produce—especially if the Miami Dolphins give him an opportunity.

Janoris Jenkins, CB

Janoris Jenkins may not be drafted in the first round, but given his past at Florida and North Alabama, the talented cornerback will be closely monitored his rookie season.

Jenkins has the ability to be a good cover corner, although teams may shy away because of his character issues.

Jenkins was kicked out of Florida for drug charges and was even involved in a bar fight while in Gainesville, as outlined by Sports Illustrated's Don Banks.

The team that drafts him will not only be evaluating his talent on the field, but his character off of it.  

Trent Richardson, RB

Even though he didn't win the Heisman Trophy like former Alabama teammate Mark Ingram, Trent Richardson will be a top-10 draft pick.

In many mock drafts, like that of ESPN's Todd McShay, Richardson is slated to go No. 4 to the Cleveland Browns. Cleveland is a team in need of a game-changer at running back after losing Peyton Hillis.

With Colt McCoy at quarterback, Richardson could be the focus of the Browns offense. He has the ability to be a productive rookie running back for a team that finished 29th in total offense.

As long as he can stay healthy, he should succeed in his first year, although defenses may stack the box to stop him.

Dontari Poe, DT

Although Dontari Poe did have an impressive combine, he may not live up to his potential. With his physical process and ability to clog the middle, he could be a great pick for a 3-4 defense.

But bench press reps—44, of them to be exact—don't mean a player will be a monster on defense.

As much as the scouts like to clock 40 times and shuttle runs, these skills don't always make a good player.

Another question mark is the fact that Poe didn't dominate Conference USA. He had 33 tackles and eight TFL to go with one sack. That was good enough for Poe to make the C-USA second team.

The potential is obviously there; it all depends on how he produces this fall.  

Justin Blackmon, WR

Justin Blackmon is the most prolific college wide receiver since Michael Crabtree. Translation: High-scoring, productive college receivers don't always produce in the NFL.

Blackmon hopes to be the exception after being named the nation's best receiver twice and scoring 40 touchdowns in three years at Oklahoma State. 

It's clear that Blackmon has the talent and ability to make a name for himself at the highest level. Last year was a great year for rookie receivers, with A.J. Green and Julio Jones both having excellent seasons.

Like his Cowboy counterpart Dez Bryant, Blackmon is under pressure to score touchdowns and make big-time plays. As long as teams can get the ball in his hands, the All-American will be successful. 

Morris Claiborne, CB

By now, everyone knows that Morris Claiborne scored a four on the Wonderlic test. What's still unsure is if this will affect his performance in the league. 

Most critics agree that the aptitude test will not hurt his ability to play cornerback or hurt his draft stock (via ESPN).

There is always the question of whether he will be able to handle all the NFL plays, but with talent like Claiborne, one would be hard pressed to find a team that wouldn't draft him if it had the chance.

As long as he makes an impact at cornerback for his team, the test will just be an afterthought. If Clairborne starts to struggle, don't think the focus won't fall back to his poor score.

Brandon Weeden, QB

At 28 years old, Brandon Weeden is the elder statesman of the 2012 NFL draft class, but after breaking school records at Oklahoma State, he could be the winner a team is looking for.

With Weeden turning 29 in October, his age and overall longevity have come into question. Considering he is around seven or eight years older than most of his fellow draftees, teams will evaluate whether he is worth the risk.

After playing minor league baseball, Weeden returned to school to lead the Cowboys to a Fiesta Bowl win. Some question his ability to throw into coverage (h/t RotoWorld.com), but it's clear he has the maturity and drive to compete on Sundays.   

Luke Kuechly, LB

Although Luke Kuechly led the nation in tackles two years in a row and was a two-time All-American, he still has something to prove.

Despite the impressive resume, some question whether his tackling was "inflated" during his time at Boston College. Kuechly used an admirable combine to solidify himself as a strong draft prospect.

In comparison, James Laurinaitis excelled at Ohio State but fell in the draft, only to be named to the all-rookie team.

As long as Kuechly is able to make plays on defense and work hard, there should be no more questions about his talent.

Michael Floyd, WR

Michael Floyd is the 17th-ranked prospect in this year's NFL draft according to ESPN Insider. At 6'3", 220 lbs with good speed, he can move up in the draft if teams want a receiver after Blackmon.

Floyd had a stellar career at Notre Dame and posted impressive numbers. His senior year he caught 100 passes for 1,147 yards and nine TDs.

Like any "Golden Domer," he has high NFL expectations that will only increase if Floyd moves up in the draft.

As reported by the Associated Press (per ESPN), he was cited for alcohol-related offensives three times while at Notre Dame, so his character may come into question. As long as Floyd produces on the field and stays out of trouble, teams will be very happy with the talented wide receiver.