Robert Griffin III: QB Has Higher Expectations Than Andrew Luck in Year 1

The expectations for the top two picks are higher than normal, but this year more pressure is going to be placed on the second pick than the first one.

We all know that Andrew Luck is going to the Indianapolis Colts at No. 1, and Robert Griffin III will follow him at No. 2 (not official, but it would be the biggest shocker of all time if he wasn’t picked by the ‘Skins).

Luck is heading to a team that has been absolutely gutted. Aside from re-signing two players past their 30th birthday in Reggie Wayne and Dwight Freeney, this is a team that is incredibly short on experience and lacking much of any depth.

A year after finishing 2-14, improving to 6-10 would be outstanding for Luck.

But 6-10 isn’t going to cut it for RGIII.

He is heading to a Redskins team that has tortured their fanbase for the last two decades trying to find a franchise QB. There has been 21 starting quarterbacks in Washington in the past 19 years. In this day and age when the passing game is everything—that’s unacceptable. They need to find a franchise guy that can be the face of the team for years to come.

They think that guy can be RGIII, which is why they gave up so much to get him.

The Redskins have finished in last place in the NFC East for four years running. Sure the fanbase is as passionate as it gets, but their patience is wearing thin. A big splash needs to be made with a player that can be a strong contributor right off the bat.

If RGIII struggles early with turnovers and the team struggles…it’s going to be a nightmare scenario for the Redskins. Coach Mike Shanahan doesn’t have the job security to survive another last-place finish.

There is no question RGIII has the arm, mobility, intelligence, leadership and charisma to be one of the best players in the league. That’s why he is expected to come in and deliver right away. He has receivers like Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan to help make it easier. He has a veteran defense that is hungry to win.

Luck doesn’t have that luxury. The vast majority of his offense is going to be young guys with little to no NFL experience. Even his coach Chuck Pagano doesn’t have any experience as the man in charge. Luck gets a mulligan in year one for a Colts franchise that didn’t panic after Peyton Manning started his career 3-13.

Nobody in the entire draft has more pressure to succeed in year one than RGIII.

He has more than lived up to expectations thus far, and he better keep it up to ensure his fanbase doesn’t turn on him rapidly. The pressure is on.  

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