Robert Griffin III launched the Baylor Bears to national prominence with a stunning 2011 season that ended in a Heisman Trophy. He threw for 4,293 yards and 37 touchdowns, but his 10.7 yards per attempt and 189.5 efficiency rating were even more impressive. There was never any question about Griffin's unique athleticism, but he tore up the NFL Combine just to be sure. A few weeks later, Washington traded up to No. 2 and made the selection of RGIII a foregone conclusion.
Griffin would be an immediate fantasy force in any system, but he lands in a perfect place in Washington. The Shanahans run a system that emphasizes quarterback mobility while being among the most pass-heavy in the NFL. The offseason acquisitions of Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan leave him with a deep and multifaceted receiving corps, and recent reports that Leonard Hankerson should remain a starter improve his outlook even more. In early fantasy drafts, Griffin is going in the QB13 range, but don't be surprised if he finishes easily in the Top 10.
It might be too much to expect RGIII to perform to the level Cam Newton established in 2011, but his arrival boosts the projection for Garcon and makes Hankerson a legitimate breakout candidate. Fred Davis becomes a very good mid-round TE1 value, and Roy Helu should suddenly have a lot more breathing room around the line of scrimmage. Even as their ADPs rise due to the Griffin hype, many Washington players will offer significant fantasy upside in 2012.
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