NFL Rumors: Redskins Right to Pursue Robert Griffin III at All Costs

If sources are correct, the Washington Redskins really, really want Robert Griffin III. And while, at first glance, the full bounty of draft picks they reportedly are willing to offer seems absurd, it might be exactly what the Redskins need to offer in order to obtain a much-needed playmaker for their offense.

First the rumor, from Howard Eskin:

"

I'm told by people within Redskins they are prepared to offer picks 1,2 and 3 this year, at least a 1 next year to move up to get RG3 at 2

— Howard Eskin (@howardeskin) February 26, 2012"

On first glance, that seems absurd—that's a huge price to pay to obtain one player.

But Griffin is special, and the Redskins desperately need a player of his ability on the offensive side of the ball.

And this is probably what it will take from where the Redskins stand, especially considering the Cleveland Browns could offer the St. Louis Rams two-first round picks this year, the fourth and 22nd picks.

If I'm the Rams, I would say to Washington, "Do better than Cleveland." Let's take a look at the NFL draft value chart to see how this plays out:

The Rams' second overall pick is worth 2,600 points.

If the Browns only offered their two first-round selections this year, that would be worth 2,580 points (they would have to sweeten that pot most likely, given how dynamic RGIII is and the fact that top-five picks are even more valuable since the rookie pay scale was drastically lowered in the new CBA).

The Redskins' first-, second- and third-round picks (sixth, 39th, 70th) are worth 2,350 points. Depending on how they finish in 2012, their offer could be worth anything from 2,940 to 5,350 points. In essence, the worse they are next year, the worse this deal is for Washington. 

Let's assume they are right in the middle of the pack and have the 16th pick in the first round next year. That would make the total value of this deal 3,530 points. Yes, they are overpaying, but if RGIII becomes a legitimate franchise quarterback, isn't he worth the cost?

I, for one, say he is. It's a gamble at this cost, but with other teams likely to clamor for Griffin, it's a gamble that the Redskins should take to acquire the dynamic quarterback.

Hit me up on Twitter—my tweets are more entertaining than the Slam Dunk Contest.