Bob Griese

Miami Dolphins

In his fifth year, Bob Griese began to fulfill the promise originally held for him when he was drafted by Miami No. 1 out of Purdue for 1967. And now he stands just outside the top group.

An increasingly disciplined quarterback who now disdains the scramble for the security of the pocket he once seemed determined to avoid, Griese likely will reach the outstanding 19-point level when experience enables him to cope with defenses better than he has.

That seems to be the one debit currently, according to the pro scouts, who gave him better-than-average grades in every category except reading defenses. That includes throwing ability now that he has shaken off the question of his talent for throwing long.

The question about Griese's ability to throw long disappeared as soon as the Dolphins acquired a receiver of Paul Warfield's capabilities, a receiver Griese could send long. Until then Griese didn't throw long because there was no one to go long to.

Not yet in the class of Johnny Unitas, Sonny Jurgensen or Joe Namath, Griese is just outside and pressing upward, a quarterback who will be only 27 when the 1972 season begins and heading for the years when a passer hits his peak performance.

And despite the maturity that is keeping him in the pocket, Griese still displays the ability to move out of trouble when protection breaks down, a distinct asset.
 

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