Redskins QB debate Part 2

So here we go into the next scenario with the Redskins quarterback position, the RGIII scenario.  2011 Heisman Trophy recipient Robert Griffin III, is the second quarterback prospect behind Andrew Luck.  The St. Louis Rams holding the second pick in the 2012 NFL draft are looking to trade down with a team looking to acquire Griffin.  The redskins thirst at the quarterback position combined with their aggressive history in acquiring big name talent in the off season, has created a groundswell of speculation that they will trade with St. Louis in the hopes of landing Griffin.  Fans everywhere are ready to trade the farm for their shot at RGIII, but why?

We have to reel all of this back in perspective and ask if he’s worth trading the farm for.  The Cleveland Browns who hold the fourth overall pick of this 2012 draft also have the rights to the 22nd overall pick in the draft.  Cleveland is a team believed to be in pursuit of obtaining the rights to draft Griffin which would put them in an automatic bidding war with the redskins.  In which Washington will lose….. and lose badly.  Not only does Cleveland have more fire power than Washington to trade for the #2 selection, but it will cost them less.  Cleveland would essentially be moving up 2 spots to get that second pick.  Also with Cleveland sitting at #4 there are no teams in front of them that is a threat to select Griffin, meaning Cleveland can really sit pretty at #4 and wait Griffin to fall into their lap.   If Cleveland decides to pass on the trade that still creates a bidding war with other teams in the league, which could be very costly for Washington, in terms of draft picks.

Washington has already stated that they are prepared to surrender two first round picks along with additional mid-round picks in exchange for the #2 overall pick in this year’s draft, this should make fans cringe.  The redskins are not in a position where they are using the draft for depth.  Last season thanks to the redskins trading back several times in the draft to acquire more picks the redskins had 8 picks in the first six rounds of the draft.  Out of those eight players six were at some point starting for the team and one of the two who did not start was pegged to be a starter but was placed on injured reserve before the season began.

The question here is, can a team that hasn’t had a winning record since 2007 afford to sacrifice first round draft picks?  Sure the rarer the opportunity the larger the risk you have to take, but what makes us think Griffin is worth the risk?  He had an outstanding last two years at Baylor in a spread offense; can we guarantee that will transfer well into the league?  Last season the redskins relied heavily on the draft to add talent.  With 42 million in cap space, if the skins are aggressive in free agency and sign two or three starters.  The risk of what you would lose trading up for Griffin significantly decreases.  I believe the two come hand and hand.  What do you think?