NFL expert: Former Baylor Bear Robert Griffin III is the league’s 13th best quarterback
NFL Expert: Former Baylor Bear Robert Griffin III Ranked as the League’s 13th Best Quarterback
In a recent ranking that has sparked debate across the football world, NFL analyst and quarterback evaluator Jordan Harper placed Robert Griffin III — the former Baylor Bear and Heisman Trophy winner — as the 13th best quarterback in the league. The assessment, published in the analyst’s annual QB Index, cites Griffin’s experience, dual-threat ability, and football IQ as major reasons for his positioning just outside the NFL’s top 10.
For a player whose NFL journey has been anything but conventional, the recognition comes as both validation and inspiration. Griffin, often referred to as “RG3,” was the second overall pick in the 2012 NFL Draft by the Washington Redskins (now Commanders) after a legendary career at Baylor University, where he became the school’s first-ever Heisman Trophy winner. His rookie year in the NFL was electric — throwing for 3,200 yards, rushing for another 815, and posting a stellar 102.4 passer rating. He was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and led Washington to the playoffs.
However, injuries derailed what appeared to be a meteoric rise. A torn ACL and LCL in the 2012 playoff game against Seattle became a turning point. Griffin struggled to recapture his initial form and was eventually released by Washington. His subsequent stints with the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens saw him primarily in backup roles, where flashes of his talent were visible but never consistent enough to warrant full-time starting duties.
Fast forward to today, Griffin is back in the league as a starter for a quarterback-needy franchise, having revived his career with relentless offseason training, smarter playmaking, and improved mechanics. He’s reshaped his body, enhanced his accuracy, and—most importantly—adapted his game to protect himself from hits that once caused significant injuries. Harper’s ranking, while unexpected to some, reflects Griffin’s strong performances in the past season, where he posted a 65.3% completion rate, threw for over 3,500 yards, and accounted for 26 total touchdowns (21 passing, 5 rushing).
“Nobody’s worked harder to get back into this position than RG3,” Harper wrote. “He’s smarter now. He sees the field better, and he’s making plays with both his arm and legs — but without putting himself in danger. That balance is what makes him a top-15 quarterback in this league today.”
Teammates and coaches have echoed similar sentiments. His current head coach praised his leadership and veteran poise. “Robert is like a coach on the field. He brings energy, insight, and the ability to make something out of nothing,” the coach said during minicamp. “You can feel the belief he brings to this locker room.”
The 13th spot places Griffin just behind big names like Jared Goff and Kirk Cousins but ahead of rising stars like Justin Fields and Jordan Love. The ranking sparked a wide range of reactions online. Some analysts argue Griffin’s body of work over the past few seasons doesn’t merit such a high placement, while others believe his recent performances, comeback story, and undeniable athleticism justify it.
RG3 himself responded to the news with his trademark humility and humor. “Thirteen isn’t bad,” he tweeted. “But I’m not stopping until I crack the top 10.”
Whether Griffin can ascend further up the rankings remains to be seen. But one thing is clear — the former Baylor Bear, long written off by many, is back in the conversation. And with a strong supporting cast and a coaching staff that believes in him, his best football might still lie ahead.