Spread Offense vs Pro Style Quarterbacks in the NFL Draft

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Sep 11, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) looks to pass in the first half against the Detroit Lions at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /

2012: Andrew Luck vs Robert Griffin III

I can’t fault the Washington Redskins here because they picked No. 2, after the Indianapolis Colts. But it’s as plain as day that the Colts made out much better than the Redskins did. Andrew Luck played in a pro style offense at Stanford and he easily translated to the NFL.

He read defenses, made checks at the line of scrimmage and threw it down the field into tight windows. He also showed some wheels, even though he chose not to depend on them too much. So the Colts picked him No. 1 overall, and he became an instant star.

Robert Griffin III actually got off to a better start, winning NFL Rookie of the Year over Luck in 2012. The Spread Offense was relatively new to the NFL but the league has since adapted. So RGIII’s play slumped as he tried to adapt to a pro style offense.

He also never mastered the art of sliding, or going out of bounds to avoid injury. So the Redskins didn’t pick up the option on his rookie contract, allowing him to walk. And after catching on with the Cleveland Browns this year, he’s already out with a fractured shoulder.

Next: Blake Bortles vs Johnny Manziel

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