Robert Griffin III: Early-Season Performance Makes RGIII Rookie of the Year

There is no doubt that the Indianapolis Colts are satisfied with Andrew Luck through two weeks of play. But in the back of their minds, you'd have to think Colts' brass wonders what life would have been like with one of the most exciting young players the NFL has to offer—Robert Griffin III.

Both QBs are 1-1 after two weeks of action, and both have put together solid starts to their NFL career. I have a feeling they'll be linked inevitably throughout their career, much like Larry Bird and Magic Johnson were in the NBA.

It's never too early to start looking at the NFL Rookie of the Year award, and so far Griffin's stellar play has him out in front of the rest of the action.

So far, he's had to start his career on the road in consecutive games. He beat the New Orleans Saints at the Superdome in front of friends and family in a game that exposed the Saints as a team in trouble going forward.

He then was a defensive stop and/or a punt away from having a chance to beat the St. Louis Rams, but it was not to be. Still Griffin has completed 39 of his first 55 passes for 526 yards and three TDs. Those are great numbers for a guy who isn't playing with anyone of note at skill positions, unless you include Pierre Garcon.

Here's a look at my early projections for Rookie of the Year after two weeks of action-packed NFL games this season.

1. Robert Griffin III, QB, Washington Redskins

2. Andrew Luck, QB, Indianapolis Colts

3. Trent Richardson, RB, Cleveland Browns

4. Doug Martin, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

5. Ryan Tannehill, QB, Miami Dolphins

I gave Richardson the nod over Martin after his big Week 2 performance, but overall Martin has been more consistent and has a better supporting cast than Richardson in Cleveland, so that will probably change going forward.

Tannehill enters the picture after a nice day against Oakland, when he didn't turn the ball over and controlled the passing game well with Reggie Bush running wild.

Overall, Griffin has been the most exciting, most prolific and best fantasy option among rookies this season. He's making all the throws, including a nice deep ball to Leonard Hankerson for a long score in Week 2.

Griffin gets the nod right now, but you can bet Luck will make a move toward the top, especially if he keeps leading game-winning drives like he did on Sunday.