Heisman Trophy 2011: Predicting NFL Teams for Griffin, Luck and Richardson

With the college football regular season and the Heisman presentation over, it's about time that the pro prospects begin looking towards the NFL draft.

Three of the Heisman candidates are more than likely taking their talents to the next level once their respective teams wrap up their bowl games. All three of those players are expected to be selected in the first round and should make a immediate impact on the teams that select them.

Here are the predictions of where Andrew Luck, Robert Griffin and Trent Richardson will end up in the NFL.

Robert Griffin III: Miami Dolphins

Robert Griffin is considered a dual-threat quarterback, but he is a pass first player. Sure, he has the ability to run, but his accuracy and arm strength makes him steps ahead of the competition.

The Miami Dolphins need a quarterback to step in, and that can change the franchise. Matt Moore has done a solid job, but I'm not sure anybody actually believes he has what it takes to get this team where they want to go.

The Dolphins also struggle with home attendance, and Griffin will instantly help fix that with his flashy style of play.

He is the type of player that can turn a franchise around, and that's exactly what the Dolphins need.

Trent Richardson: Cleveland Browns

Normally, I wouldn't draft a running back in the top 10 of a draft, or even in the first round. We've all seen the success running backs have had that have been drafted in the later rounds. But Richardson is a whole different type of animal.

He is NFL-ready right now and has very few weaknesses to his game. He has a ridiculous combination of speed and power and will either truck you or just blow by you. He has great field vision and can run inside or outside. He is also an underrated receiver. Overall, he is as a complete back as you will find.

Cleveland has no running game whatsoever, as Peyton Hillis is looking more and more like a one-year wonder. He is a free agent next season, and it looks like the Browns are more than willing to let him walk.

The Brows have several spots they need to address, but running back won't be one of them for the next several years if they select Richardson.

Andrew Luck: Indianapolis Colts

Is there any question where Andrew Luck is going? He will be the No.1 overall pick, and it's pretty much guaranteed the Colts will end up with that spot.

Luck will be a franchise quarterback that will give you a solid 10 years or so. He has all of the tools a great quarterback needs, and scouts are just drooling over the potential. Many quarterbacks that have been drafted have been busts, but Luck is the definition of a 'cant-miss'. 

Sure, the Colts do have Peyton Manning but he is 35 and is coming off of major neck surgery. His career is rapidly coming to a close whether he regains his health or not.

Drafting Luck would also provide the Colts with options. They could either sit the Stanford quarterback for a year or two or start him right away and trade Manning for the remaining value he has left. 

Regardless of their decision, the Colts will have one of the games top quarterbacks for another decade.

Must be nice to be a Colts fan.

Randy Chambers is a B/R Featured Columnist that covers College Football and the NFL. You can contact him @Randy_Chambers or [e-mail]