Ranking the Washington Redskins Quarterbacks

Rankings: Offensive Tackles | Interior Offensive Linemen | Quarterbacks | Running/Fullbacks | Tight Ends

Tier 1:

Description: Top level starter, absolute lock to both make the team and start. Won’t face any competition for his job.

Robert Griffin III:

Griffin came into the league last year and combined with an offense built around his strengths he put the league on notice. His dual threat ability kept defenses guessing, and helped pave the way for the Redskins first division Title since 1999. Griffin was dynamic running the football and displayed great decision making and accuracy throwing the ball. The only negative surrounding Griffin going forward is the injury concern. RGIII suffered both a concussion and a major knee surgery (ACL) last season. While both are concerning, the knee injury is a real question mark heading into 2013. Given that it occurred in early January and that it is his 2nd ACL reconstruction in the same knee, his ability to start the season is very much up in the air. When he does come back, it is also likely that Griffin will need to wear a brace and be limited in how much he runs. How this impacts the passing game is a question mark going forward.

Tier 2:

Description: Quality starter who may have some minor struggles in a given year, but overall is a good football player. Should both easily make the team and start.

None

Tier 3:

Description: Passable starter, can play the position and be okay, but won’t consistently play at a high level. Will be streaky throughout the season and over the course of many seasons. Depending on position would be better served as a good role player, or would be the best reserve player at a position. Should make the team, though not a lock and should face competition for a starting job.

Kirk Cousins:

Cousins was a nice value pick for the Redskins last year in the 4th round as he carried a 2nd round grade by many. He quickly showed he was worth the selection as he preformed well in camp and preseason. Then in opportunities throughout the season, including a game tying touchdown at the end of the Ravens game, and a strong road win versus the Browns, he showed that he has a very bright future. While some may make the case for him to be 2nd tier, he’s probably not there just yet. While there is little doubt he could start on 5-7 NFL teams, he will still probably go through some growing pains. He may be counted on for more this year given Griffin’s injury, but it’s unclear how he will perform over an extended period of time.

Tier 4:

Description: Replacement level starter. This is a guy who could start in a pinch or as a long-term injury replacement but will max out as an average starter, and will probably be below average. He’s a guy who could be okay as a short term filler, but over an extended period will struggle. Depending on position could be a solid player, or would be a good back-up. Has a decent chance to make the team, and could get a look at a starting job, but nothing is set in stone for him.

Rex Grossman: *not signed yet

Grossman may not be highly thought of among Redskins fans, but he did show he going be a replacement level starter in 2011. Without much of a line, weapons or a run game, Grossman was good enough to win 5 games, while putting the Redskins in a close enough position to win even more. Now Grossman forces too many throws, and isn’t consistent enough, but a lot of teams rely on far worse number 2 quarterbacks (and even a couple teams had worst starters last year). He’s a good veteran back-up, who is a nice complement to two young quarterbacks.

Tier 5:

Description: Solid back-up caliber player. Shouldn’t really ever start, and would be below average in that capacity, but can be a short term injury replacement. Shouldn’t even be much of a role player depending on the position, their best value is in their reliability as a replacement. Depending on the position, should be capable of backing up multiple positions or roles to increase their value. Has a chance to make the team, but really shouldn’t be considered a starting option at all.

None

Tier 6:

Description: Replacement level player. Not considered at all for a starting role, and isn’t even considered a viable back-up. Really only has a shot to make the team if injuries thin out the competition. Overall has a poor chance to make a roster, and is a player who will likely be replaced during the season.

 None

What do you think? How would you rank the Redskins Quarterback options? Should they look to make any moves at this position?