Predicting Each Heisman Finalist's NFL Future

In what was a wide open Heisman Trophy race for most of the season, Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III took advantage of the spotlight on him in the final week of the season and distanced himself from the competition. Winning the Heisman hasn't translated into automatic NFL stardom for many of the past recipients, but this group of finalists seems to have a great deal of pro potential. 

Two running backs, two quarterbacks and a defensive back were invited to New York, and of the five, all will most likely enter the NFL Draft—except for LSU corner Tyrann Mathieu, who is only a sophomore. 

Here are their NFL futures. 

RB Montee Ball

Wisconsin running back Montee Ball is on the verge of breaking Barry Sanders' NCAA single-season touchdown record. He is averaging over six yards per carry. He has decent size for a running back, but none of it may matter in April: He is not expected to be a first-round draft pick if he chooses to come out this year.

Although he does not possess blazing speed, he is extremely elusive, and clearly has a nose for the end zone. He has proven he can be a workhorse back, and will continue to do so in the NFL.

Draft projection: Late second/Early third round (If he chooses to enter the 2012 draft) 

NFL Career: Will begin his career as a change of pace back, but quickly emerge as a solid NFL starter. 

CB Tyrann Mathieu

An unbelievable season for LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu took him all the way to New York City as a finalist for the Heisman Trophy. His stock could not be higher than it is right now, but Mathieu will have to stick around at least one more season at LSU before he can enter the NFL draft. 

At 5'9", 179 lbs. Mathieu is not the strongest, fastest or best cover corner in the country. What he is however, is one of the best turnover machines the NCAA has ever seen, and an unbelievable kick/punt returner. His intangibles are also going to tremendously help his stock. His biggest plays came in the biggest games, and often when his Tigers were down and needed a spark.

Draft projection: First Round pick in 2013 

NFL Career: Comparing Mathieu to Patrick Peterson—his protege at LSU—seems logical, but Peterson is three inches taller and 40 pounds heavier. Expect Mathieu to have a similar impact on special teams, but he must develop as an elite corner. 

RB Trent Richardson

Having a monster year as the featured back for a team playing for the national championship bodes well for Richardson's NFL future.

Although he is the same height as Wisconsin's Montee Ball, there are a few noticeable differences. Richardson is 15 pounds heavier, runs a slightly better 40-yard sprint. He is unquestionably the strongest running back to enter the draft in a long time. 

His ability to be an every down back is important, as Richardson totaled 50 catches out of the backfield the past two seasons. 

Draft projection: Top 10 overall pick (if he chooses to enter the 2012 Draft)

NFL Career: Richardson is extremely tough to tackle, very strong and can catch the ball well. He projects as a star at the next level. 

QB Andrew Luck

What else can be said about Andrew Luck? The numbers are impressive, his size is prototypical and his intelligence is off the charts. Luck is projected by many to be the best draft prospect in a decade.

I won't bore you with stats or comparisons, as they have all been well documented.

Draft Projection: Luck would have been the No. 1 overall pick last year had he chosen to come out, and will certainly be the top pick this year. (Unless the Colts make a dilemma out of the Luck/Manning situation, but that's another story.)

NFL Career: Luck will be a star. No doubt about it. But his arm strength is not top notch and that may prevent him from being the All-World Hall of Famer scouts are projecting. I'm nitpicking.  

QB Robert Griffin III

As the Heisman Trophy winner, Griffin has seen his stock skyrocket over the past few months. With signature wins and moments against some of his toughest competition, Griffin has proven his arm is just as valuable as his legs. There are questions about his height—listed at 6'2", probably closer to 6'1"—but Griffin has the arm strength and mobility to overcome that slight defect. 

The comparisons to Cam Newton will be obvious. Newton is noticeably bigger, but Griffin is a better pure passer, and runs a very comparable (if not better) 40 time. 

Draft projection: Griffin will be a Top 10 pick and is expected to step in as the franchise quarterback for whoever drafts him. 

NFL Career: Star. Superstar. All-Pro. I'm in love with RG3. His personality is contagious, his development as a quarterback has been phenomenal and there's no reason to believe he cannot step in a year from now and lead a team like Cam Newton has done this year.