Robert Griffin III: Projecting Biggest Strengths and Weaknesses of Redskins QB

The Washington Redskins should be commended for going all in on Robert Griffin III this past spring.

A franchise desperate for a spark, the Redskins needed something to get excited about, and now they finally have it. 

The No. 2 overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft, Griffin III has a ways to go before he can be considered an elite NFL signal-caller. But that doesn't mean he doesn't possess the skills necessary to help Washington win games in 2012.

Here we project the rookie quarterback's biggest strengths and weaknesses this coming season. 

Avoiding Pressure

It's no secret that Robert Griffin III was among the fastest players in all of college football last season. Griffin brings tremendous speed and acceleration to the quarterback position for the Washington Redskins, which is no doubt one of his biggest strengths when it comes to avoiding pressure in the pocket.

Washington gave up 41 sacks last season. Griffin's ability to break away from pass-rushers this season will result in a much lower number for the Redskins, who have some work to do up front on the offensive line.

Griffin doesn't have to turn every scramble into a miraculous touchdown, but if he can avoid the big hits behind the line of scrimmage and get out of bounds after a small gain, he and Washington will be very successful.

Accuracy

Griffin was an incredibly accurate quarterback at Baylor last season, and his completion percentage increased every season with the Bears from 2008 to 2011. He completed 72.4 percent of his passes last season in Waco, throwing 291 completions to just 111 incompletions. 

Through his first three NFL preseason games, Griffin has completed 20 of 31 passes. His completion percentage of 64.5 percent this summer is certainly solid and has him on pace to be one of the league's leading passers this fall in terms of accuracy and completions.

Griffin's accuracy is one of his greatest strengths without question. 

Stature

Griffin is not small or weak by any stretch, but at 6'2", 220 pounds, he won't be able to bounce back up as quickly from big hits like Cam Newton or Andrew Luck. Similar to Michael Vick, Griffin will have to limit the contact he receives in the open field as a runner and also avoid taking massive hits from his blind side. 

The NFL presents a much faster game than college football, and Griffin will be smaller and lighter than nearly every defender chasing him down. Quarterbacks are protected in the pocket where they are sitting ducks, but when quarterbacks of Griffin's stature take to the open field, they must be extra careful and know when to slide. 

Of course, Griffin has a lot to prove this season as a rookie quarterback. He will have to stay healthy and form chemistry with his receivers and backs. But for now, it's safe to say that Griffin has more strengths than weaknesses and is set to have a strong rookie campaign in Washington.

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