Baylor vs. Washington; Alamo Bowl NFL Draft watch notes
Make no mistake, the Alamo Bowl between Baylor and Washington (9 p.m., ESPN) is the Robert Griffin III Show.
Will he enter the 2012 NFL Draft, making this his final game of his college career? Reports of late indicate that's the case and Griffin will likely be a top five pick in April. It's an overwrought statement to say a player has rare tools. But it's true with Griffin. Except for maybe Michael Vick, there is no quarterback in the NFL with his athleticism.
One of the knocks generally associated with Griffin is his size. He's listed at 6-foot-2 and 220 pounds. That's the same height as Aaron Rodgers and Matt Stafford, though Griffin isn't quite as bulky. When a quarterback is that height, it's all about analyzing the release point. Griffin's release looks to be a little lower than Rodgers', which is something to monitor.
Griffin has been the beneficiary of wide receiver Kendall Wright. He has 1,572 yards and 13 touchdowns receiving coming into tonight's game. He's a speed receiver who can easily get behind defensive backs.
Baylor has one of the better "big" running backs in the nation with senior Terrance Ganaway. His speed will lower his draft stock, but if a team needs a short yardage back, Ganaway would be a good choice. Ganaway likes to run behind power center Philip Blake. The unheralded senior is best when he can stay in the phone booth and hold off defensive tackles.
Baylor nose tackle Nicolas Jean-Baptiste has been inconsistent this year and it will hurt is draft positioning. He's a stout player, but hasn't been much else at times this season.
Washington defensive tackle Alameda Ta'amu has been inconsistent as well, but less so than Jean-Baptiste. Most remember Ta'amu being dominated in the Stanford game this year, but he's a better player than that. He's got nice athleticism for his size and is naturally strong.
If Washington wants to keep Griffin out of the game, Huskies running back Chris Polk will need 25 carries or more. He's the team's best player on offense and should be one of the first running backs drafted next year. That, of course, is assuming Polk is coming out. But after three consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season, it's likely tonight is his last game for Washington.
In this game last season: Oklahoma State overmatched Arizona, winning 36-10, giving a glimpse of greatness that would come this season.
2013 NFL Draft watch: Washington is one of the worst pass defenses in the nation, but it's not because of junior cornerback Desmond Trufant. He hasn't had the season some expected, but his frame and athleticism give enough hope for him being a top 100 pick in 2013.
9 comments
|
Add comment
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
56-53...
…this is turning out to be a helluva game. that TD reach was clutch by Price.
"Th_r_'s n_ h_p_ f_r _ssh_l_ f_ckw_ts."
Can I buy a vowel...?? +1, Kluwe.
I'd love to see Griffin and Wright on a 200-yard field
Ta’amu is doing nothing as usual. I think Dexter McCluster could pancake him.
"Can't anybody here play this game?" - Casey Stengel, watching the 2011 Giants
Yeah, I'm not seeing the hype about him.
Other than size.
Aaron Curry is the first Seahawk since Walter Jones to have a legitimate shot at Hall of Fame induction - John Morgan
by Fearless Frog on Dec 30, 2011 5:02 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Don't sleep on Keith Price as a future draft prospect.
Dude is insanely accurate. Hits receivers right in their hands. 4 passing TDs and 3 impressive rushing TDs in a performance that’s unfortunately going to be overshadowed by the fact that the Huskies lost.
Aaron Curry is the first Seahawk since Walter Jones to have a legitimate shot at Hall of Fame induction - John Morgan
He raised Kearse's stock yesterday
"Can't anybody here play this game?" - Casey Stengel, watching the 2011 Giants
RGIII
I wasn’t real impressed… Keith Price on the other hand….. O….. M…….. G……. what a stud! Wish the Huskies would buy a defense lol
by David Robinson on Dec 30, 2011 10:56 AM EST reply actions

by 



















