Why Robert Griffin III Will Have a Better Rookie Season Than Andrew Luck

Andrew Luck will be the first quarterback selected in the 2012 NFL draft, but Robert Griffin III will have the better first season in the league.

Neither player is going to a team that is expected to compete right away. Luck will play for the 2-14 Indianapolis Colts while Griffin is expected to be taken by the 5-11 Washington Redskins. However, it will not be too long until Griffin is able to turn his team into a winner.

The Colts are coming off one of the worst seasons in franchise history. The defense has talented players, but could not stop anyone last year. On offense, there is little left that resembles a team that won 10 or more games nine straight times. They were able to retain Reggie Wayne, but the offensive line is weak and no one emerged out of the backfield as a legitimate starter.

On the other hand, the Redskins have given the new franchise quarterback exactly what is needed to succeed. 

When Trent Williams is on the field, he is one of the best young left tackles in the game. He will be able to protect the quarterback's blind side and give him more time as he adjusts to the speed of the NFL. The front office also made moves in free agency by signing quality receivers Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan. Add young running back Roy Helu and tight end Fred Davis, and this is already a formidable offense.

Luck will be under pressure to do everything himself, and it will lead to early struggles. The Stanford product had a good team around him throughout his career with an elite offensive line. Taking him out of his comfort zone could be a rude awakening.

Griffin, however, did it all for Baylor as he led the Bears to the best season in school history. The Heisman Trophy winner will be able to pick up his teammates as he did over the past few seasons. His combination of throwing accuracy and running speed will take the league by storm and give defensive coordinators fits. 

These two men will forever be linked and compared throughout their careers, but do not be surprised if everyone is second-guessing the draft order by this time next year.