In what should surprise no one, the SBNation.com Mock Draft has the Washington Redskins selecting Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III with the No. 2 overall pick. The writer at Hogs Haven brought up Griffin's background living in a military family and his academic work ethic to dispel possible comparisons between him and other bust quarterbacks from the past, such as Ryan Leaf.
Well, Washington finally has a franchise QB. Redskins fans have had to endure 20 different starting quarterbacks since the glory years including such names as Jeff George, John Beck, Heath Shuler, Jeff Hostetler, Tony Banks, Patrick Ramsey ... I think my point is clear. No one wins without a quarterback. I'm tired of the "Trent Dilfer" logic since the game has evolved since then. The Redskins made a bold move to trade away two extra first round picks and a second this year, but frankly it was a trade they had to make. Griffin's high character background (military parents), work ethic (graduated college early and already working on Master's), and athletic accomplishments make him a much less risk of a "bust" where previous quarterbacks failed in these departments. I think of Ryan Leaf over-sleeping a meeting with the Colts. With a defense that has a knack for forcing turnovers, a quarterback that can protect the ball and make smart decisions will certainly add wins. At the very least, fans have something to be excited about. Sorry, Cleveland.
Griffin seems like the kind of player that is no nonsense on the field or off of it and his upbringing has a lot to do with that. Griffin knows that a lot of people in the Washington, D.C. area are pulling for him to be the electrifying player that most fans think he can be.
The Redskins have only this pick until the No. 69 pick overall in the third round as they traded this year's second round pick, No. 39 overall, to the St. Louis Rams when they traded up to No. 2 overall.
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