2012 NFL Draft stock up spotlight

by Dan Kadar on Nov 21, 2011 4:00 PM EST in 2012 NFL Draft

Throughout the season we'll take a look at some players who helped their 2012 NFL Draft stock with great performances in the previous week's games.

Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
After some weeks of middling performances, Griffin was a big-play machine in Baylor's upset over Oklahoma. He finished the game with 479 yards and four touchdowns as well as 72 yards rushing. Griffin may be pushing himself ahead of Oklahoma's Landry Jones as the No. 3 quarterback prospect.

Aaron Henry, S, Wisconsin
Much of the credit for Wisconsin's success understandably goes to the offense. But Henry has been consistent throughout the season. Against Illinois he was working well moving forward against the run and dropping back in pass coverage. Henry's fourth quarter interception led to Wisconsin's final blow touchdown from the offense. The safety class is weak and plays like Henry's interception is what scouts will remember.

Leonard Johnson, CB, Iowa State
It's true, Oklahoma State's Justin Blackmon had 10 catches for 99 yards on Johnson Friday night. But Johnson was impressive throughout the game finishing with five tackles, an interception and a fumble recovery. The break Johnson made on his interception showed his quickness, which has been questionable.

Danny Trevathan, OLB, Kentucky
It has to be hard to be a player like Trevathan. He's far and away the best player on Kentucky's defense, but he still produces. In a 19-10 loss to Georgia, Trevathan was all over the field finishing with 17 tackles with three tackles for loss and two forced fumbles. Trevathan should be a star on special teams at the next level. He's fast, smart and a good tackler. He could also be a good backup who won't hurt a team when their starter can't play.

Jarvis Jones, OLB, Georgia
That's it. The redshirt sophomore is officially ready for the NFL. He followed up a four-sack game against Florida with seven tackles, two and a half sacks and a forced fumble against Kentucky. If he enters the 2012 NFL Draft, he'd probably be considered the best 3-4 player available.

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A bold statement:

For me, this year RG3 looks much more impressive than Andrew Luck.

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by Fabio Broncos on Nov 21, 2011 4:22 PM EST reply actions

RG3 = Cam Newton 2.0...

But Andrew Luck is Steve Young with Peyton Manning’s IQ.

I like what I have seen from RG3 and he certainly makes the high light plays. In fact, I agree with you to a degree that RG3’s athleticism may make him a better 1st year pro than Luck. However, Luck is the sort of player that championships are built around. Griffin is a good player, but is limited by the plays he can make himself. Where Luck surpasses him is in his ability to run an offense, progress through his reads, and outsmart a defense. In the long run, this makes him the better bet. I have RG3 as the #3 QB in the class ahead of Jones, but not in the class of Luck or Barkley.

by invisibulman on Nov 21, 2011 4:32 PM EST up reply actions

"Andrew Luck is Steve Young with Peyton Manning's IQ"?

Would you like the hall the fame to begin his bust now or would you like to start it? People need to relax……..just a little.

by fiendishdr.wu on Nov 22, 2011 12:09 AM EST up reply actions

I do think Luck is an awesome PROSPECT coming to the NFL

But he is being very overrated, I agree, fiendish… people need to relax. The guy will need time to develop and there is ALWAYS a chance of a player being a bust, specially the #1 overall of any year.

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by Fabio Broncos on Nov 22, 2011 2:17 AM EST up reply actions

Spot on

I completely with this. This comparing Luck to HOF players is really over the top.

by Ravens One on Nov 22, 2011 10:07 PM EST up reply actions

What no Joe Montana like accuracy?

Or Dan Marino arm?

And when we win, we want to dominate. We want to take guys out. We want to hurt guys. We want to win. We just want to dominate, hit them in the mouth. - Rathman
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by manraj7 on Nov 23, 2011 2:30 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions

I agree and disagree...

I agree that Luck is the QB that championships are made of. He is the “once in a generation” QB, and whichever team selects him will not be disappointed.

Yet, I disagree with RG3’s assessment. I don’t know if anyone can project him. He is the quintessential “Wild Card”. Enormous athleticism, yet a better passer than Newton. Comes from a rigid military family, which gives him structure, focus, determination and work ethic. His only draw back may be himself; if he allows himself to be a “running QB”, this will retard his development as a passer.

I do find it interesting you have him ahead of Jones, Kudos to you. I may not disagree with that projection.

by jgibbsfan1 on Nov 22, 2011 2:16 PM EST up reply actions

if he allows himself to be a "running QB", this will retard his development as a passer.

I don’t see that at all. RG3 could run MUCH more than he does. As it is, he usually just shows his running ability when plays break down.

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by Omaha Sun on Nov 22, 2011 7:16 PM EST up reply actions

Ha!

by Ravens One on Nov 22, 2011 10:07 PM EST up reply actions

The numbers aren't even close.

RGIII has been an absolute stud. That doesn’t mean he’ll transition to the pros better, but he truly has been amazing this year.

Go Suns, Packers, Jays, and Huskers!

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by Omaha Sun on Nov 21, 2011 4:33 PM EST up reply actions

Sure not, Omaha

Luck is still a better PROSPECT to the NFL, but RG3 really looks much more impressive when you watch Baylor and Stanford playing.

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by Fabio Broncos on Nov 22, 2011 2:18 AM EST up reply actions

My favorite RG3 play this weekend

Staying in bounds on a scramble and sliding down (past the 1st down marker) with 5 minutes left and a lead. Not many players are thinking about the clock 5 minutes out. But that took off 30 more seconds, 10% of the remaining game. That is huge.

"Looks like I picked the wrong week to stop sniffing glue."

by ct17 on Nov 21, 2011 11:58 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs