2012 NFL Draft: Robert Griffin III Declaration Is Key to First Round

Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III has yet to declare for the 2012 NFL draft.

He still has approximately six days to make that decision, and he is expected to meet with Baylor head coach Art Briles on Tuesday.

According to Charlie Casserly, a former NFL GM and current analyst for both CBS and NFL Network, the decision could come immediately following the meeting.

When his declaration comes, whether it be a return to Waco for his senior season or a jump to the pros, it will heavily impact the entire first round of the draft.

RG3 was closing in on Matt Barkley for the No. 2 quarterback spot before the Trojan returned to USC, and since that time Griffin's star has risen even higher.

So much so that he could actually be the No. 2 player off the board on draft day even though he's not the No. 2 prospect on the board.

Griffin isn't nearly as complete a prospect as Stanford's Andrew Luck, but he brings tremendous upside, potential and excitement.

It also cannot go without saying that dual-threat quarterbacks like Tim Tebow and Cam Newton are having great success in the league right now. Griffin is a different player than both, but he's faster and actually a better quarterback prospect than either were when they were in the draft process.

Should RG3 declare, he'll force a number of teams to seriously consider trading up for him.

With the Indianapolis Colts reportedly set in drafting Andrew Luck, the prime target for trade becomes the St. Louis Rams at No. 2.

This is St. Louis' second top-two pick in the last three years, and they are entering a new regime in both the front office and on the sideline. The Rams have a number of holes to fill and can use Griffin's value as leverage to acquire a bounty of extra draft picks while not falling down the board too far.

Cleveland, Washington and Miami immediately spring to mind as top 10 teams that would be interested in landing a potential franchise signal caller at any cost.

The Browns actually have two first-round picks this season that they can work with, but it is the Redskins who stick out as the team with the biggest need. Miami has a desire to land a franchise quarterback, but it is believed that they were very high on Barkley, and it would be surprising to see them throw away a ton of picks for a shot Griffin.

Washington is different, though. Coach Mike Shanahan hasn't been able to find any consistency under center, has used three different quarterbacks in the last two seasons and has managed only 11 wins.

If there is any team in the draft that desperately needs a quarterback, it is the Redskins.

Thus, RG3's decision (which will likely come tomorrow) shapes the entirety of this first round.

While the Browns, Redskins and Dolphins stick out as the most likely suitors/trade partners to land the Heisman winner; the draft is a wild ride where anything can happen.

The Rams hold the No. 2 pick as things stand now, but that won't last long if RG3 declares.