Has anyone entertained the thought of RGIII being a bust?

[Tuff]

Yeah, this already reeks of negative karma, but I don't believe in karma anyhow, so yeah.

I'm looking to see, realistically, if anyone simply believes RGIII is going to become our greatest QB ever. Because if you look at Redskins historically, we really just have never enjoyed a truly elite Quarterback. Our three Superbowls in the Gibbs era were not guys who lit it up year in and out, and since then have clearly had a series of mostly awful QB's.

Ok sure RGIII could pan out. He could even be great. He could also be merely average, bad, or the next Ryan Leaf. Hence, I ask - how good do you think RGIII will truly be?

I will include a poll with multiple QB's on the list. Whom do you see RGIII being most like in his career with the Redskins? Be realistic.

[MisterPinstripe]

Of course not. Everyone on this board thinks its 100 percent sure hes amazing.

And QBs we have won with in the past, and how we did it, has nothing to do with RG3. Different coaches, different era, different QB.

[RawBBQSauce]

RG3 is definitely the real deal. The only concern I have is his longevity. I hate it to say it but the guy is bound to miss a few games.

[Idaho fan]

Whom do you see RGIII being most like in his career with the Redskins? Be realistic.

I think its kind of difficult since he has yet to throw a ball as an NFL player.

I would like to think optimistically that his career might resemble that of Steve Young and bring some respect back to the Skins.

[Epochalypse]

Does the possibility exist? Yes.

Does anything about Griffin suggest it's likely? No

Seriously there are really no scouts saying he will bust.

There are no scouts saying he has character issues, or is dumb, or is lazy, or is one dimensional.

None of the QBs we've drafted in my time (going back to the 80s) has ever had that level of positive reviews coming into the league.

So again is it possible, sure but it's a very solid bet that he won't and I'm glad Shanahan and Allen went for it.

[Tuff]

Poll is up.

Some notable "gonna be the next big thing" QB's who were complete busts

- Ryan Leaf

- Andre Ware

- Tim Couch

- Jamarcus Russell

- Akili Smith

Can list more, think the point is made.

As for myself? I hate to say it, but I am highly skeptical of RGIII. I'm sorry, not gonna lie and think he's going to save our franchise. I hope I'm wrong. I hope he proves me wrong. I don't think he'll be a Redskins in 5 years.

[Truant]

I would post the hitchhiker scene from Something about Mary (six minutes abs?!?!?)

I know you're not saying that he's going to bust, but worrying about busting and thinking he'll be great are both making huge assumptions. He'll be a rookie QB in a system that fits him with Mike Shanahan as coach. He's going to be in a pretty good position and he seems like his off the field stuff is in order. That's all you can ask for.

Sure, anything can happen... but it's not a bad idea to defer to those that know more than us. I trust Mike and the vast majority of the scouting community. No prospect is a can't miss. An anvil could fall out of the sky on any prospect -- but for as much as we know it's a good gamble. All you can ask for. Welcome to the draft.

[Tuff]

Seriously there are really no scouts saying he will bust.

They didn't about the people I listed either. Jamarcus Russell was "a sure thing" according to numerous people. Including John Clayton, who is revered as "god" by some.

[SkinsFTW]

I think he will at least be a good QB. I'm just worried that he'll get injured and miss a lot of time. Hopefully that doesn't happen.

[slaga]

Why be optimistic when you can be a "realist"? Because pessimism prevails (for some).

[SkinsFTW]

Poll is up.

Some notable "gonna be the next big thing" QB's who were complete busts

- Ryan Leaf

- Andre Ware

- Tim Couch

- Jamarcus Russell

- Akili Smith

Can list more, think the point is made.

As for myself? I hate to say it, but I am highly skeptical of RGIII. I'm sorry, not gonna lie and think he's going to save our franchise. I hope I'm wrong. I hope he proves me wrong. I don't think he'll be a Redskins in 5 years.

I don't remember any of those guys being "can't miss" not even close. I laughed when the Raiders picked Russell actually.

[TerrificTim]

I think it was Schefter who recently said how we dont see as many big busts due to the improved process of evaluating and studying players. With RG3's skill set and obvious mental capacity he should be primed to make those around him better (which modern day qb's do, unlike previous era's). He is a proven worker and has taken a program with no national attention to the mainstream of college football why not take a desperate franchise to the top of the NFL.

[MisterPinstripe]

I like the poll, I think there is a chance he busts, but in the end, I think with his great work ethic and skill worst case he is just good. But I think he can bring us multiple Super Bowls.

[Epochalypse]

They didn't about the people I listed either. Jamarcus Russell was "a sure thing" according to numerous people. Including John Clayton, who is revered as "god" by some.

Every one of those did have red flags. Ryan Leaf was about the closest to that and that's because his talent was blinding a lot of people to his serious character flaws.

None of the others you listed were even remotely considered absolute sure things.

[KCClybun]

As for myself? I hate to say it, but I am highly skeptical of RGIII. I'm sorry, not gonna lie and think he's going to save our franchise. I hope I'm wrong. I hope he proves me wrong. I don't think he'll be a Redskins in 5 years.

So this is your roundabout way of finding out if anyone else around these parts doesn't like Griffin because you don't like Griffin.

Why don't you just come out and say it then? Seriously, I never get people who doddle around. Just say you don't like RG3. It's cool. It's no biggie. It won't earn you crap if you don't present it like a jerk.

And the poll in itself is pretty weak sauce, since your pick from a WIDE variety of quarterbacks, including the G.O.A.T Joe Montana. But only two of those have the same skill set as RG3.

Just...come right out and say you don't like him, and if you have a well reasoned argument then no one will get on your case. Be honest. Otherwise you end up with passive aggressive "tip-toe-around-the-issue-I'm-really-thinking-about" crap like this.

[SoCalSkinsFan1975]

This doesn't sound very "entertaining" to me... I will pass and simply revel in the glory of our new winning ways!

[TerrificTim]

I think he will at least be a good QB. I'm just worried that he'll get injured and miss a lot of time. Hopefully that doesn't happen.

I think the assumption that he will be hurt all the time like Vick or other running qb's is not a fair assumption. He weighs 20lbs more than Vick and is not a pure runner that will put himself in bad situations, he is a pocket passer who is gifted in running the football.

[SWFLSkins]

Yeah I gave it a thought, maybe like this?

[Zazzaro703]

Injury is the only thing that could stop RGIII from excelling (Knock on wood one trillion times, and then once more). The Redskins offense allows him to utilize his strengths to the maximum level as well. If he busts, it would be just unbelievably typical for the Redskins since 1991 and the only conclusion i would be able to reach is that Dan Snyder or FedEx itself is cursed. Both would have to go at that point. I just can't see him busting though. This isnt some lazy, spoiled, poor values, immature, football ignorant kid we are talking about here. Middle of the pack would be about the worst i could see him doing, but the homer in me can't find a reason why this shouldn't work out. Finally.

[Truant]

High pick does not equal "can't miss". Why do you think he'll be a bust and not be a Redskin in five years? I think it's reasonable for people to be excited about his measurables, stats, impact he had in college, deep ball accuracy, arm strength, mobility, upbringing, character, etc.

What parts of him or his game do you think lends itself to being a bust? I hope it's not just to be a contrarian or just because we haven't had a stud QB in forever you're beaten into submission before the fight even starts. It might feel nice to observe people overreacting and to not be a part of the crowd, but at least they are getting excited about tangible things. It's fine to be critical or pessimistic, but there should be reasons that you have for it that actually relate to RGIII.

[Renegade7]

Ya, but that isn't going to bring our first rounders back. It's easier just to hope for the best, it's out of our control now.

Fact is, Shanny doesn't have another first rounder until he gets a contract extension. He's basically put his job on the line here with this trade, not just a season like the McNabb or Rexy/Beck fiasco. I'm going to give him the benefit of the doubt he wouldn't of pushed for this trade if he didn't feel RG3 was truly worth it...

[Chris21]

I was Luke warn on RG3 a few months back but have come around. I am thrilled to be getting him but would be estacic to get Luck.

[Epochalypse]

They didn't about the people I listed either. Jamarcus Russell was "a sure thing" according to numerous people. Including John Clayton, who is revered as "god" by some.

Here's Nolan Nawrocki's scouting report for Russell:

(link http://www.bostonherald.com/blogs/sports/rap_sheet/index.php/2011/04/01/what-does-pfws-nolan-nawrocki-know-about-qbs-lets-check-his-jamarcus-russell-scouting-report/)

QB JaMarcus Russell (Junior)

(6-51⁄2, 265, 4.75e) LSU

Notes: Redshirted in 2003. Played in 11 games in ’04 and started four times, completing 73-of-144 passes (50.7 percent) for 1,053 yards with nine touchdowns and four interceptions. Also rushed for a score. Passed for 188-311-2,443-15-9 (60.5) in ’05, when he started 12 games and also rushed for a pair of scores in helping lead LSU to an 11-2 mark. Played a good portion of the season with a wrist injury that required offseason surgery. Also separated his left shoulder against Georgia in the SEC title game, forcing him to miss the team’s win over Miami (Fla.) in the Peach Bowl and most of ’06 spring practice. Came back to start all 13 games in ’06 after competing for the job in camp, completing 232-342-3,129-28-8 (67.8) and rushing 52-142-1. Was a first-team All-SEC honoree by the AP and coaches and a semifinalist for the Davey O’Brien Award. Was named 2007 Sugar Bowl MVP after throwing for a career-high 332 yards in the Tigers’ 41-14 rout of Notre Dame. Finished his LSU career ranked among the top five in every passing category at the school. Compiled a 25-4 record as the starting quarterback.

Positives: Has all the physical ability in the world and is one of the most naturally gifted throwers ever to play the game. Has rare size and arm strength and can really power the ball down the field. Effortless thrower who flicks the ball with ease. Has a 100 m.p.h. fastball and can zing it into tight coverage. Is tough to bring down and not easily sacked. Stands tall in the pocket, can brush off the pass rush and deliver after taking a hit. Shows some agility on the move once he gets going.

Negatives: Showed up overweight at the Combine and has a flabby body that looks like it has not seen a weight room. Relies too much on his arm and natural ability and does not like to work. Has a lackadaisical approach to the game, nearly lost his job in a competition prior to his junior season and needs to take the game more seriously. Struggled to put points on the board vs. the speed of Auburn’s and Florida’s defenses, and when he is forced to make quick reads, he struggles. Does not find second and third receivers as fast as he has too. Does not have a consistent throwing motion, and the ball tends to come out at different places every time. Does not protect the football well. Does not show great timing or anticipation. Telegraphs his passes and rarely looks off the high safety (see Florida game). Will require very tough coaching from a strong, authoritative figure, or he will get away with everything he can and may never develop. Acts as if he has made it already and does not realize how far he has to go.

Summary: Has as much potential as any quarterback to enter the draft, but the team that drafts him better have an experienced and patient veteran coaching staff in place to provide the tough coaching he will need to develop. For as much upside as he has — and it’s off the charts — his downside is just as great, and he could be out of the league just as fast as he is in the Pro Bowl. A very high-risk, high-reward pick, Russell is the type of player who could lose his motivation after a big payday. Whoever drafts him better make sure they properly evaluate his mental makeup and character, or they could set back their franchise at least three years. Strikingly similar to Vikings 1999 11th overall draft pick and current Dolphins QB Daunte Culpepper, whose only success has come under the demanding Scott Linehan, but Russell is not as athletic nor does he have Culpepper’s scrambling ability.

[SWFLSkins]

Yeah, this already reeks of negative karma, but I don't believe in karma anyhow, so yeah.

I'm looking to see, realistically, if anyone simply believes RGIII is going to become our greatest QB ever. Because if you look at Redskins historically, we really just have never enjoyed a truly elite Quarterback. Our three Superbowls in the Gibbs era were not guys who lit it up year in and out, and since then have clearly had a series of mostly awful QB's.

c.

I really take exception to that QB statement, maybe it is your age, but really you should retract before OF comes in here and throws a lunch tray at the way spraying chicken and peas everywhere.

[Truant]

I think the assumption that he will be hurt all the time like Vick or other running qb's is not a fair assumption. He weighs 20lbs more than Vick and is not a pure runner that will put himself in bad situations, he is a pocket passer who is gifted in running the football.

A concern doesn't necessarily equal an assumption. I don't think many people are thinking that he WILL be hurt all the time, but they are worried that he might get hurt like he did as a sophomore and he blew out his knee. If it's happened before it's fair to worry about it happening again.