From the time Robert Griffin III and Andrew Luck were seniors in college, they have been compared to one another. During the 2012 NFL Draft process they were both in the running for the first pick. Although Luck was the first pick, Griffin III also had his supporters and was second.  The tale of the tape could give us an idea of who to pick for the 2013 NFL Fantasy Season.

Robert Griffin III made a huge impact in the 2012 season. In 15 games he threw for 3,200 yards and 20 touchdowns with five interceptions at a 65 percent completion rate. He is very disciplined and poised in the passing game. Griffin III has a nice touch for short and long passes with a quarterback rating of 102.4. Griffin III ran for 815 yards and seven touchdowns. His leadership skills are excellent.  He was named team captain in his rookie season.

When Griffin III suffered his knee injury in the playoff game against the Seattle Seahawks, it was his second since college. Although he has world class rehabilitation there is some question about how long he can last in the league. Although there are exceptions, most running quarterbacks don’t last long in the NFL anyway. There also are questions about whether he tries to do too much on the field by overextending himself on plays.

Andrew Luck has been a top NFL prospect from the time he was at Stanford. He was projected to be the first pick in the draft from the time he was eligible. When Luck came out of college he was compared to John Elway. He was a more polished passer as a rookie than was Elway. Like Griffin III Luck has a nice touch for short and long passes.  Luck threw for 4,374 yards, 23 touchdowns and 18 interceptions, with a 54 percent completion rate for a quarterback rating of 76.5. Luck also ran for 255 yards and five touchdowns. He too, was named team captain as a rookie.

Luck needs to cut down on his interceptions through film study and developing field vision. He may also need to increase his assertiveness with his teammates when they need it.

Although both quarterbacks led their teams to the playoffs there is a sharp contrast. Griffin III is flashy. He will make plays with his passing arm or legs. Luck is cool, calm and collected and a pocket passer. He has never suffered a major injury.  Luck’s body is better built take an NFL pounding at 6’4” and 234 pounds; Griffin III is 6’2” 224 and runs more in his offense. This season Griffin III has not been taking part in preseason games.  It is rare that any player can produce from day one of regular season without preseason games. My pick would be Andrew Luck if I were forced to choose between them. Still, I would not bet against Robert Griffin III who has proven that his competitive drive has already made him a star in college and his rookie year.