Robert Griffin III NFL Draft prospect notes

Robert Griffin III
6'2, 220 pounds | Quarterback | Baylor

First word: If there is one play that defines the maturation of quarterback Robert Griffin III, it came in Baylor's first game of the season against TCU. It was a play that showed Griffin, a junior, is much more than a product of the dink-and-dunk spread offense he runs to near perfection for the Bears. It was a 42-yard bullet fired near the sideline in the third quarter that had to get the attention of the 15 NFL scouts in attendance. The game, a 50-48 win for Baylor, was a step forward for the program and Griffin as an NFL Draft prospect.

Before this season, the feeling about Griffin is that he was little more than a track athlete lined up at quarterback. His speed is uncanny for a signal caller and he just so happened to have a great arm. This season, he's more rounded as a quarterback. Baylor is letting Griffin show off his arm more and relying less on the short passing game.

Most are going to stereotype Griffin as a clone of Michael Vick, but Griffin is much better at throwing the ball in the pocket. If we're ever going to see another Steve Young in the NFL, it could be Griffin.

Notes:

- Adjusted his release, which has helped him improve his accuracy on deeper throws. Griffin's release is high over the top, so it's not always the fastest, but not it's not a detriment.

- Looks confident and poised in the face of pressure. TCU brought a lot of pressure directly at Griffin and he routinely stepped up in the pocket and threw for 359 yards and five touchdowns.

- Possesses incredible talent for a quarterback. Griffin, a track star, could be on the fastest players in the draft, whenever he comes out. Will have lapses at times and pull the ball down and take off, but remember he's only a junior.

- Has added about 20 pounds of bulk since his freshman season, but would still be one of the smaller starting quarterbacks in the NFL.

- Plays with a lot of toughness. Stayed in the game against TCU this season despite being knocked loopy after making a reception.

- Displays impressive arm strength when Baylor works the ball vertically. Puts good zip on the ball on deep passes.

- Is one of the nation's most accurate passers, which is a combination of his ability and the offense he plays in. Takes the vast majority of his snaps from the shotgun.

- Like many college spread quarterbacks, Griffin isn't asked to go through more than a progression or two after the snap.

- Relies heavily on coaches calling the plays and will need to grow as a play caller.