NFL: Best 10 players 25 or younger

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Dec 30, 2012; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) runs for a first down against the Dallas Cowboys during the second half at FedEX Field. The Redskins won 28 – 18. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA Today Sports /

8. Robert Griffin III, QB, Washington Redskins

Robert Griffin III, who turned 24 on Feb. 12, cost the Washington Redskins a king’s ransom—first-round picks in 2012, 2013 and 2014 plus a second-round choice in 2012—but as a rookie, it was already worth it to move up to the No. 2 overall position in 2012 in order to get the Heisman Trophy winner from Baylor.

Griffin was a Pro Bowler as a rookie, throwing for 3,200 and leading the NFL with a 1.3 interception percentage (five picks in 393 attempts) and 8.1 yards per attempt.

He led the Redskins to an NFC East title as a rookie, also running for 815 yards and seven touchdowns and leading the league with a 6.8-yard per carry average.

Things didn’t go so well for Griffin in his second season. Recovering from knee surgery after Washington was bounced from the playoffs in the wild-card round, Griffin started just 13 games in his second season and was shut down for the final three contests, with his efficiency numbers and rushing production down across the board.

But even in a “bad” season, Griffin was only picked off 12 times and in two seasons has just 17 interceptions in 849 attempts, throwing for 36 touchdowns and 6,403 yards while completing 62.7 percent of his throws.

It won’t be a shock to see Griffin—now completely healthy—bounce back strong in 2014.

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