2012 NFL Draft Grades: Washington Redskins

Round 1, Pick 2 (2) (From Rams)               Robert Griffin III        QB                    Baylor: Grade A

-The Redskins grab a franchise quarterback here, but they paid a hefty price to do so. Griffin though does possess elite potential, and has all the intangibles you are looking for in the leader of your team. He also has an elite arm and incredible speed making him a dual threat. He fills a major need for the Skins and represents this team’s future.

Round 3, Pick 8 (71) (From Bills)               Josh LeRibeus        OG                    SMU: Grade C-

-LeRibeus is a solid guard but was drafted roughly two rounds too high. He has limited potential and at best seems to be an average starter. While guard was a need the Redskins needed to get more value out of this pick.

Round 4, Pick 7 (102)                                        Kirk Cousins             QB                    Michigan State: Grade C+

-In a vacuum this is a great pick as the Skins would be getting a 2nd round talent with good upside and a very high floor in the 4th round. The issue is the Skins just spent their 1st, 2nd and 2013-14 1st round picks on RGIII. Cousins does give the Redskins a very good back-up, but that is too many resources to spend on one position. Particularly a position that you can only play one player at a time.

Round 4, Pick 24 (119) (From Steelers)    Keenan Robinson     ILB                    Texas: Grade B-

-Very solid pick here for the Redskins. Robinson will move inside in the Redskins 3-4 defensive alignment and will have some time to develop under London Fletcher to replace him in a couple years. Robinson will also add value on special teams while he works his way on to the roster.

Round 5, Pick 6 (141)                                          Adam Gettis           OG                    Iowa: Grade B

-This is a very good pick by the Skins, and in fact Gettis might have even a better ceiling than LeRibeus who was taken two rounds higher. He’s only a one year starter, but had a good year and profiles well in a ZBS system.

Round 6, Pick 3 (174) (From Vikings)    Alfred Morris        RB                    Florida Atlantic: Grade C

-It’s hard to knock Mike Shanahan for drafting a late round running back, but Morris seems like a little bit of a reach. He offers some as a pass blocker and some more power in the backfield, but he could be a reach here.

Round 6, Pick 23 (193) (From Steelers)  Tom Compton     OT                    South Dakota: Grade B+

-This is a great value pick for the Skins and filled one of their biggest needs. Compton dominated at the FCS level. He’s got great athletic ability and size and could be a steal of the draft for the Skins.

Round 7, Pick 6 (213)                                       Richard Crawford    CB                    SMU: Grade C

-This was a need position and Crawford has some raw abilities, but he’s a long shot to make the roster. Maybe he’ll find a niche as a practice squad guy, but I don’t see much upside.

Round 7, Pick 10 (217) (From Bills)       Jordan Bernstine      DB                   Iowa: Grade C+

-Bernstine is a slight reach, but he’s got some versatility to play either safety position and help on special teams. He’d still be looking to earn one of the final roster spots, but could be an interesting dark horse candidate.

Overall: C+

The Redskins targeted positions they needed in grabbing two QB’s, 3 OL, 1 ILB and 2 DB’s but I’m not sure if they will have much to show for it outside of RGIII. LeRibeus was a reach pick and doesn’t look to provide the type of impact you are looking for with a top 75 pick. While Kirk Cousins can play in this league it’s too redundant and hurts the value of this selection. Guys like Robinson, Gettis and Compton have some potential and could add value, but there are too many reaches here.