Robert Griffin III: Why the Heisman Winner Should Be Second QB Taken in Draft

Earlier this season, University of Washington head coach Steve Sarkisian said that he thought Matt Barkley was a better pro prospect than Andrew Luck. 

After his Alamo Bowl matchup with Baylor, Sarkisian might just have to think about propelling quarterback Robert Griffin III over Luck as well. 

Regardless of Sarkisian's thoughts, most pro scouts, and really anyone who has touched on the subject, put Luck as the easy No. 1 quarterback with USC's Matt Barkley at No. 2.

After that it varies, but the common consensus is some order of Landry Jones and RGIII.

Despite those thoughts, I would gladly take Griffin as the second QB in next year's draft right behind Luck.

And I'm talking about the No. 2 overall pick, not just the second quarterback.

You've all seen what Cam Newton has done in the NFL this year. I'm not necessarily saying Griffin will get it done as immediately as Newton has, but I think RGIII is better. Griffin, who relies on his feet to get out of trouble just like Newton does, is faster than the current Carolina Panther.

I mean, Griffin is a state-record holder in a bunch of different sprints. The man is not slow.

But, obviously, that doesn't always matter in the NFL. There's usually some pretty fast guys coming after you, as well, so you need to be able to make the throws.

All I've seen from Griffin this year is an improvement in his decision making and throwing ability. 

The game-winning throw against Oklahoma comes to mind when he threw off his back foot across his body for a 35-yard strike to the corner of the end zone.

Whenever people are talking about Luck, they always say, "Only a handful of people could make that throw." Well, I'm not even sure if that many players could make the throw that Griffin made to win that game.

It's not only that throw, however. Griffin has been absolutely on point all season as he has completed over 72 percent (72!) of his throws and tossed just six picks. He knows when to let it loose, he knows when to check it down and knows when to tuck it and run.

I'm not taking anything away from Barkley or Landry Jones. I just think Griffin is that good. 

I think Newton is partly helping him out this year with his unprecedented success, but if my team missed out on Luck, I would be perfectly happy with the consolation prize of RGIII.