1st Round (#2) QB Robert Griffin III, Baylor
3rd Round (#71) W Josh LeRibeus, EMS
4th Round (#1102) QB Kirk Cousins, Michigan State
4th Round (#119) OLB Keenan Robinson, Texas
Round 5 (#141) W Adam Gettys, Iowa
Round 6 (#173) RB Alfred Morris, Florida Atlantic
Round 6 (#193) OT Tom Compton, South Dakota
Round Seven (#213) CB Richard Crawford, SMU
Round 7 (#217) CB Jordan Berstine, Iowa
Analysis of notable selections:
Robert Griffin III: The quarterback position has never been more important than it is in today’s NFL. The league is offensively oriented and nothing puts points on the board faster than productive quarterback play. Carolina’s offense went from lousy in 2010 (averaging 12 points per game) to good in 2011 (averaging 25 points per game) primarily due to quarterback play (Jimmy Clausen in 2010 and Cam Newton in 2011). The Redskins gave up a lot to move up and draft RG3. It will all be worth it if he becomes a top 10 quarterback. The 2011 Heisman Trophy winner is extremely talented and has the work ethic and character to become a star. It’s up to the franchise to design an offense that maximizes RG3’s abilities and surround him with enough talent to succeed.
Josh LeRibeus: The SMU shooting guard had a solid senior season after being in the best shape of his college career. However, he is an average athlete who can struggle with the quickness he finds in the NFL. LeRibeus fills the team’s need to improve the interior offensive line game. He wasn’t the best player available at this point in the draft. The Skins moved on to Brandon Taylor, who could have helped Washington in safety. Plus, an offensive lineman like Joe Looney might have been a better option than LeRibeus.
Kirk Cousins: RG3 doesn’t have a large frame and his mobility will see him take extra punishment. The Redskins would be wise to have quality backup at the most important position in the game. Rex Grossman is 31 years old and has no potential. Cousins doesn’t project to be a quality NFL starter, but he could be an ideal backup. The former Michigan State star will be well prepared every week and is a team player. Cousins is a very bright player and commands respect with his dedication to the game and the quality of person that he is. Plus, if Cousins plays well in preseason or limited regular-season action, he could be trade bait in a year or two. There’s always a team that takes a chance on a young quarterback. Grossman does not provide Washington with a potential second- or third-round draft pick in the future through a trade. The Redskins have gone from having no answers at quarterback to being well-stocked in a draft.
Keenan Robinson: The Redskins add a versatile linebacker (he can play inside or outside) with coverage skills. Robinson can contribute on special teams as he works to gain strength and become more physical. Robinson may never take screens well enough to start, but he could find a niche in third-down passing situations. He has the size and quickness to drop into coverage and cover tight ends and backs.
Adam Gettis: Mike Shanahan wants tough, smart, mobile offensive linemen. Gettis is small and has a history of ankle injuries. However, he can move and when he was finally healthy in 2011 he had a good season. He fits the Redskins’ blocking scheme, but he’ll have to add solid weight and stay healthy to contribute.
2012 NFL Draft Grade: B+
Conclusion: Washington’s draft essentially boils down to Griffin III. The Redskins were desperate for a playmaker at quarterback and aggressively pursued one. They gave up a lot of stuff (second-round pick in 2012 and first-round pick in 2013 and 2014), but no one will care if RG3 goes to multiple Pro Bowls. RG3 is a great talent that fits well with what Shanahan wants to do on offense. His work ethic, competitiveness and good character should allow him to become one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. Washington added three types of offensive lineman development to help support its new quarterback. If they hit one of them, it will help. The Redskins have a long way to go, but they may have solved their biggest hurdle to success with the selection of Robert Griffin III.
