If you are giving up as much as the Washington Redskins gave up to have the opportunity to draft Robert Griffin III, he better be the real deal. They also gave up a second round pick in this year’s draft, so they aren’t going to get a lot of young talent to go with RG3.
Where do they go from here?
Let’s take a look at my 2012 Washington Redskins Mock Draft.
Team Needs: QB, RB, OT, OG, ILB, DB
Round 1
Pick 2) Robert Griffin III, QB Baylor
If you need more information about RG3 here is what I said months ago:
Strengths: Has elite arm strength, which few people in the NFL can match right now. An electrifying athlete, who can make all the plays with his arm and his legs at the next level.
Great, consistent motion that allows him to release the ball high, which is important. Has one of the best deep balls in football, all of football, with fantastic touch to go along with the power arm needed for those throws.
A leader, a very mature and smart player that a team doesn’t have to worry about being overwhelmed by the experience of being an NFL quarterback.
When in the open field, he has better speed than most WR’s, and the natural moves to make people miss.
Weaknesses: Lacks ideal size and build to take the pounding QB’s take at the next level.
Plays in a spread offense and doesn’t need to make the progressions on from deep to intermediate throws, as most reads are deep then check down.
Needs to show the ability to throw intermediate routes that are key to the NFL passing game.
NFL Comparison: Drew Brees
Round 3
Pick 6) Trumaine Johnson, CB Montana
Thickly built, tall, defensive back with good range and a willing tackler has been flying up the draft boards from a lot of teams.
Makes good reads against the run, breaks down well, and can come up and help.
The problem with Johnson is he needs to learn how to play in press man coverage, as he tends to play more bail out coverage when he is not in cover 2.
Needs to learn to use his hands as he won’t be able to out athlete like he did in college at the next level in the NFL.
Fantastic in and out of breaks, and knows how to sink his hips down when turning into coverage.
NFL Comparison: Jimmy Smith
Other Options:
Casey Heyward, CB Vanderbilt
Mitchell Schwartz, OT California
Brandon Boykin, CB Georgia
Round 4
Pick 7) Senio Kelemete, OG Washington
Young in his development as an offensive lineman, but has all the attributes you want in a guard.
Great build, good strength in his lower half and does a great job getting to blocks in the running game.
Needs to clean up his footwork and make sure he gets a body on his man every time.
His strength and huge upside didn’t move to the offensive line until 2009, makes him an offensive line coaches dream. His movement in space, and ability to get to the second level could really be a fit in the Redskins running game.
NFL Comparison: Dan Neil
Other Options:
Antonio Allen, S South Carolina
Josh Kaddu, OLB Oregon
Pick 14) Nate Potter, OT Boise St
Athletically built, lean offensive tackle who screams to be taken in a zone blocking scheme. Needs a year, maybe two to get stronger, and improve his hand placement and grasp on a defender.
He can get to any block because of his quickness and initial burst off the line, but doesn’t have the power to always finish.
NFL Comparison: Ephraim Salaam
Other Options:
Joe Adams, WR Arkansas
Brandon Mosley, OT Auburn
Round 5
Pick 6) Janzen Jackson, FS McNeese St
A raw prospect with all the intangibles, but lacks the pedigree to be considered anything more than a third day prospect.
Great speed, breaks on the ball well, and makes good reads, but gets himself out of position to often with poor footwork.
Needs to wrap up on tackles instead of always looking to make the highlight reel hit.
Other Options:
Aaron Henry, S Wisconsin
Tramain Thomas, S Arkansas
Round 7
Pick 6) Adrian Robinson, OLB Temple
Thickly built pass rusher who does not display an ability to be more than a pass rush specialist and special teamer.
Gets overwhelmed against the run to often because he lacks the length to keep offensive players off him, and doesn’t have the smoothest drops into coverage.
The one thing he does well is rush the passer, as he can get to the edge, give a move and attack the QB.
Other Options:
Chris Owusu, WR Stanford
Nate Stupar, OLB Penn St
If you found this post interesting please consider either subscribing via RSS, becoming a fan on Facebook or Google+, or following us on Twitter.
