Could RGIII be a legitimate backup QB option for the Seahawks?
Feb 17, 2016, 11:06 AM | Updated: 12:06 pm
Brock Huard says Robert Griffin III's athletic gifts could make a strong fit in the Seahawks offense. (AP)
(AP)
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Digital Content Producer
With the Seahawks likely in need of a new backup quarterback, could Robert Griffin III be a legitimate option? Brock Huard thinks so.
During the Blue 42 segment of 710 ESPN Seattle’s “Brock and Salk,” Huard put the enigmatic Redskins quarterback among his three options to replace Tarvaris Jackson, who will reportedly test free agency after spending the past three seasons backing up Russell Wilson.
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RGIII burst onto the NFL scene after Washington selected him No. 2 overall in 2012, passing for 3,200 yards and 20 TDs and rushing for another 815 yards and 7 TDs.
Injuries, inconsistency and off-the-field drama ultimately derailed his momentum and he dropped to third on Washington’s depth chart in 2015 while Kirk Cousins took over the starting role behind center. Washington is expected to cut Griffin, and his $17 million salary for 2016, before free agency officially begins March 9.
While Huard questions the 26 year old’s “grit,” there is no questioning his talent.
“He is such a phenomenally gifted athlete and, once again, from a system fit of what this group does to his natural talent and skill-set, there could be a marriage there,” he said.
Huard mentioned two college quarterbacks as other backup possibilities: Mississippi State’s Dak Prescott and Arkansas’ Brandon Allen.
Huard says the college signal-callers “epitomize that grit and that toughness” that he does believe is an important element of the position.
“If you’re going to come in and be the backup, you’re going to know some of your role. Then if you get thrust in because of injury, you’d better be one mentally tough, emotionally tough and one gritty dude,” he said.
Prescott put together a sparkling senior campaign – 66.2 completion percentage, 3,793 yards, 29 TDs and 5 interceptions – and is by far the Bulldogs’ most successful quarterback of all-time. Huard says Prescott’s ability as a passer and runner have improved greatly since entering the program as a marginal recruit.
“Built himself up physically, very adept as a runner,” Huard said. “Not real accurate, not a pro-style guy, but in a simplified offense like they run in Seattle, he could fit.”
Huard called Allen, who tied for the highest Total Quarterback Rating in the country (87.8) last season, more of a wild card.
“Brandon Allen’s career was over, he was done, he was nothing but a loser when the moment got big,” Huard said. “And then, all of the sudden, he wasn’t. All of the sudden he carried that Arkansas program in the second half of the year and played some brilliant ball.”
