The Indianapolis Colts may just be in luck. 2011 Heisman Trophy winner and Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin, III is reportedly entering this year’s NFL draft according to ESPN’s Chris Mortensen.
Prior to Baylor’s appearance in last Thursday’s Alamo Bowl, Griffin, III had given no hints as to which way he was leaning, although most experts believed he had nothing left to prove at the college level. Today’s news, while not an official announcement, simply confirmed what many had suspected all along.
The Indianapolis Colts are believed to have spent a considerable amount of time scouting Griffin, and if Peyton Manning is indeed healthy heading into the 2012 season, Griffin may be a better fit with the organization. While incredibly talented, he is not nearly as NFL ready as Stanford’s Andrew Luck is believed to be and could actually benefit from a year or two of tutoring under one of the game’s greatest players at the quarterback position. Even if Manning is not ready, Cam Newton’s unexpected early success as a rookie is an indication that a player like Griffin could succeed if thrown into the fray early. Either way, this would not be a bad consolation prize should the Colts end their season on a three game winning streak.
Contact Geoff at [email protected], follow him on Twitter @snglemarriedguy, and read more of his takes on sports and pop culture at popflyboys.com