Robert Griffin III Expected to Make the Smart Move and Enter NFL Draft

Baylor QB Robert Griffin III has gone from relative unknown to national superstar in the last four months. Now, the Bears’ first-ever Heisman Trophy winner looks to have more changes ahead of him this offseason.

The latest word from ProFootballTalk (via Twitter) is that there’s a “strong likelihood” that Griffin will enter the NFL draft next spring. The report projects that Griffin will land with either the Dolphins or Redskins.

If Griffin does return to Waco, he has a legitimate shot to lead the Bears to their first-ever BCS bowl appearance next season. Even with that in mind, though, turning pro is a smart move for the dual-threat junior.

Nothing Griffin could do in 2012 can possibly make his draft value any higher than it is now.

In fact, he could hurt his stock, either if the team struggled or if he (perhaps pressing to win games on his own) looked less effective as a passer than he did this year.

Griffin will also be helped by the inevitable comparisons to Cam Newton, another big-body, run-pass threat. And a sophomore slump on Newton’s part would hurt Griffin’s draft position, regardless of Griffin’s own performance.

Lastly, Griffin could do a lot worse than being drafted by Miami or Washington. The Redskins have a rising defense that’s helped them win four games despite a fiasco at QB, while Miami has a pair of serious offensive talents in place in Brandon Marshall and Reggie Bush.

Although it’ll be a shame for college football and its fans to lose him, Griffin’s departure (assuming it happens) will be the best thing he can do for his own interests.