RG3 prompts draft shuffling

Redskins' pursuit of QB means changes atop the draft board

Originally Published: March 11, 2012
By Todd McShay | ESPN.com

We're only days removed from my last updated mock draft, but the Washington Redskins and St. Louis Rams have shaken things up with a blockbuster trade, so it's time to reassess.

The Redskins and Rams have swapped first-round picks, with the clear goal for the Redskins being to select Baylor QB Robert Griffin III at No. 2 overall, and I still project the Rams getting the playmaker they want at No. 6.

Elsewhere, a third quarterback has joined Griffin and Andrew Luck in the top 10, while five defensive tackles are now in the first-round mix along with seven offensive linemen.

Alabama leads all schools with five players among the top 32 picks, with Stanford (four), Baylor (two) and LSU (two) being the only others with more than one prospect on the list.

Here's how the entire board shakes down after the big trade.

* = draft-eligible non-seniors


Indianapolis Colts

Record: 2-14

Andrew Luck*, QB, Stanford

It's never easy to say goodbye to a legend like Peyton Manning -- a Super Bowl winner and the face of the franchise since his first day in training camp -- but using the No. 1 overall pick on a once-in-a-generation prospect like Luck is an opportunity the Colts can't pass up. Luck's NFL-ready skill set and demeanor set Indianapolis up for another decade-plus with one of the best quarterbacks in the league.

Washington Redskins (from STL)

Record: 5-11

Robert Griffin III*, QB, Baylor

The Redskins paid a handsome price in trading up -- the No. 6 and No. 39 picks this year, first-rounders in 2013 and 2014 -- but they can now get the kind of franchise quarterback coach Mike Shanahan has been looking for since his days in Denver with John Elway. Improved accuracy, impressive athleticism and unquestioned intangibles make Griffin the perfect fit in Washington's offense, and the Redskins hope he will provide the quarterback stability they have been seeking for years.

Minnesota Vikings

Record: 3-13

Matt Kalil*, OT, USC

The Vikings just missed out on being able to cash in with the second overall pick, but with Baylor QB Robert Griffin III likely to be the pick there, Minnesota is in a position to finally begin shoring up its offensive line with an elite prospect. Kalil is one of the top left tackles I have evaluated coming out of college, with a skill set equal to Joe Thomas and a mean streak to go with it.

Cleveland Browns

Record: 4-12

Trent Richardson*, RB, Alabama

The Browns couldn't get over the top in the RG3 derby, but they do get a possible franchise running back. Richardson is the most complete prospect to enter the draft at that position since Adrian Peterson in 2007.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Record: 4-12

Morris Claiborne*, CB, LSU

This could be a tough call for Tampa Bay, which would strongly consider taking Richardson in this scenario. However, Claiborne is also among the five elite talents in the 2012 class, and he plays a position of greater value with a longer shelf life. He's clearly the top cover corner on the board, and with Ronde Barber turning 37 before the draft and Aqib Talib carrying off-field baggage, Claiborne makes plenty of sense.


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Todd McShay

Scouts Inc.
  • ESPN College Football and NFL Draft Analyst
  • Joined ESPN in 2006
  • Played quarterback in high school and was a backup QB for the University of Richmond.

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