From here on out, the 2012 NFL Draft will always be known to Redskin fans as the year we took Robert Griffin III. It will be known as the year the Redskins took a chance at greatness--a chance at our franchise quarterback of the future.
Griffin will be given the key to the city, the reins of the offense, and the responsibility for being the centerpiece in turning around this franchise. Can he do it? Most definitely.
Griffin III has showed his maturity (graduating in 3 years), leadership, and team camaraderie (front and center supporting Baylor Women's basketball) during his time at Baylor. In 2012, his last season as quarterback at Baylor, Griffin III won the Heisman, led his #13-ranked Baylor Bears to a 10-3 record, and had a sparkling 37:6 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
Stay tuned for an article based solely on Griffin III, as I want to devote time to some of the other draft picks from this year.
Kirk Cousins, Quarterback (Michigan State)
This highly controversial 4th-round pick created an uproar in DC as fans and media felt as though the Redskins were hedging their bets instead of going all in on Griffin. While the real motivations for taking Cousins will never be known, I am a fan of this pick.
Cousins, according to Adam Schefter, was the Redskins' 3rd-ranked quarterback available in this year's NFL Draft (behind Andrew Luck and Griffin). The opportunity to draft such a "talent" in the 4th round could not have been forgone, and the Redskins jumped at the opportunity.
Cousins will be groomed as Griffin's backup as Rex Grossman will be cut or traded by this time next season. Cousins will prepare at all times to be thrown into the fire if the worst should happen. Using Green Bay as a successful example, having a NFL-ready backup is paramount (Aaron Rodgers and Matt Flynn). Indianapolis, on the other hand, is a poor example of planning (Peyton Manning and Curtis Painter/Dan Orlovsky).
If Griffin turns out to be who we think he can be, Cousins most likely will be used as trade-bait to try and regain some of the value we gave up for Griffin. I see this as a great draft pick.
Pick Potential: B
Offensive Line: The Redskins drafted three O-Lineman this year: Josh LeRibeus (3, Southern Methodist), Adam Gettis (5, Iowa), and Tom Compton (6, South Dakota).
While none of these lineman were household names coming into this year's draft, there is reason to be hopeful about the blocking abilities of these three:
1. Gettis, acccording to ESPN: "Takes good angles, shows quick feet and consistently establishes good initial position. Keeps feet moving on contact and works hard to finish the block." He also played in the very competitive Big-10 conference, against the likes of Michigan, Wisconsin, and Penn State.
2. Compton, 6'5" and 313 lbs, was a 4-year starter at South Dakota. Compton is described by ESPN as an "Aggressive second-level blocker that flashes the ability to put linebackers on their backs and always looking for someone to hit downfield."
[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="210" caption="Tom Compton, South Dakota"][/caption]
Pick Potential as a whole: B-
Keenan Robinson, Outside Linebacker (Texas)
It will be hard not to compare Robinson to current Redskin linebacker Brian Orakpo, seeing as though both of them held up "Hook 'em Horns" at Texas. Robinson brings an equally large and athletic frame, 6'3" and 240 lbs, to an already formidable linebacking core.
Touted as a "gifted athlete," Robinson has the ability to cover tight-ends, blitz the quarterback, and blow up blocks to give teammates the opportunity to make a play.
Pick Potential: B
Alfred Morris, Running Back (Florida Atlantic)
A smaller running back, 5'10" and 219 lbs, who reminds me of Rock Cartwright at first glance. While the competition in the Sun Belt conference is limited in terms of quality, Morris rushed for over 1,000 yards twice in his collegiate career, barely missing a third 1,000 yard season.
He will provide good pass-protection if used on third downs, while slipping out of the backfield from time to time to catch dump off passes.
Pick Potential: C
Overall, I'm experiencing an above-average (Grade: B) happiness level for this year's NFL Draft. We got our franchise quarterback, a qualified backup who we might trade away for valuable draft picks, and offensive lineman who will protect Griffin. We bolstered our defense with another freakish linebacker, as well as taking two defensive backs with our last two picks.
This year will be interesting, and I'm excited.
(Jonathan Wigginton is the Chatsports Senior Writer covering the Washington Redskins)
(Photo-Courtesy: LA Times, Naples News, Sioux City Journal, YahooSports!)
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