2012 NFL Mock Draft: Why Robert Griffin III Will Be Even Better Than Cam Newton

Make no mistake about it, Robert Griffin III is not the next Cam Newton.

The Baylor quarterback is not 6'5", 248 pounds. He's not running people over and and scoring 20 rushing touchdowns a season. And he's not going to be the No. 1 pick in the NFL draft.

But RGIII doesn't need to be the next Cam Newton because he will be even better than Cam Newton.

Griffin is 6'1", 220 pounds.

He uses a combination of elite athleticism, awareness, decision-making and arm strength to beat opponents.

He's resilient, patient and accurate.

And the Heisman hopeful has phenomenal career numbers.

The most important thing to note is the progression he's made as passer each and every year in Waco.

High accuracy numbers for quarterbacks in spread offenses is normal, but the way RGIII plays is on another level. While he's no different from others in the system that are accustomed to throwing to open receiver in spaces, he's different in the way he makes decisions and protects the football.

Griffin doesn't throw interceptions. He doesn't force the ball and he knows when to throw it away.

He exhibits poise in the pocket, patience with his receivers and the ability to play with the lead and from behind.

He is determined to beat you his arm first (again, look at the difference in rushing-to-passing year by year) rather than his legs. He'll scramble away from pressure while keeping his eyes downfield and does a good job of finding open receivers.

RGIII recognizes pressure and knows where his hot reads are when he needs them.

He's far from perfect and like any player entering the NFL has things he can improve upon too. His footwork is inconsistent and his accuracy suffers at times because of it. He has to overcompensate for lack of height. And he's going to have a bit of transition from a spread offense to a pro-style offense.

But RGIII will be even better than Newton because he's going to be a better pure passer. He'll be even better because of how he sees the field. He'll be even better because his athleticism will help him not only survive, but thrive. He'll be even better because he wants to be better.

Newton has set the bar extremely high. He's a gifted athlete playing the quarterback position and will be a great player for a long time

But the rise of RGIII is just beginning. He's just scratching the surface.

There won't be another Newton, but that is because Robert Griffin III will be even better.

*Draft order determined by combination of current record and projected finish.

No.	Team (Record)	Player, Pos.
1.	Indianapolis Colts (0-10)	Andrew Luck, QB
2.	St. Louis Rams (2-8)	Justin Blackmon, WR
3.	Carolina Panthers (2-8)	Quinton Coples, DE
4.	Miami Dolphins (3-8)	Matt Barkley, QB
5.	Jacksonville Jaguars (3-7)	Michael Floyd, WR
6.	Arizona Cardinals (3-7)	Matt Kalil, OT
7.	Minnesota Vikings (2-8)	Jonathan Martin, OT
8.	Cleveland Browns (4-6)	Trent Richardson, RB
9.	Washington Redskins (3-7)	Landry Jones, QB
10.	Seattle Seahawks (4-6)	Morris Claiborne, CB
11.	Philadelphia Eagles (4-6)	Alshon Jeffery, WR
12.	San Diego Chargers (4-6)	Dre Kirkpatrick, CB
13.	Kansas City Chiefs (4-6)	Riley Reiff, OT
14.	Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-6)	Alfonzo Dennard, CB
15.	Tennessee Titans (5-5)	Vontaze Burfict, LB
16.	Buffalo Bills (5-5)	Robert Griffin III, QB
17.	Denver Broncos (5-5)	Lamar Miller, RB
18.	Chicago Bears (7-3)	Peter Konz, C
19.	Detroit Lions (7-4)	Luke Kuechly, LB
20.	New York Jets (5-5)	David DeCastro, OG
21.	Cleveland Browns (via ATL) (6-4)	Zach Brown, LB
22.	Cincinnati Bengals (via OAK) (6-4)	Cordy Glenn, OG
23.	Cincinnati Bengals (6-4)	Devon Still, DT
24.	Dallas Cowboys (7-4)	Janoris Jenkins, CB
25.	Houston Texans (7-3)	Mark Barron, S
26.	Pittsburgh Steelers (7-3)	Dont'a Hightower, LB
27.	New York Giants (6-4)	Jarvis Jones, LB
28.	New England (via NO 7-3)	Chase Minnifield, CB
29.	Baltimore Ravens (8-3)	Courtney Upshaw, DE
30.	San Francisco 49ers (9-2)	Kendall Wright, WR
31.	New England Patriots (7-3)	Mohamed Sanu, WR
32.	Green Bay Packers (11-0)	Brandon Thompson, DT