2012 NFL Draft: Could QB-Needy Team Trade Down to Get QB Brandon Weeden?

In an obvious effort to fill the Washington Redskins' glaring need for a franchise-type player at the quarterback position, a large percentage of 2012 NFL mock drafts have the Redskins trading up to the No. 2 spot to take Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III.

But could the possibility of the Redskins trading down and taking another rumored quarterback be just as plausible come April?

According to Don Banks of Sports Illustrated, Redskins coach Mike Shanahan took a liking to Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden at the Senior Bowl, and Washington might be willing to trade down into the late first round in order to take Weeden at a better value.

Here's what Banks said in his mock draft:

"

...here's an interesting theory I heard recently that makes some sense: Mike Shanahan loves Oklahoma State quarterback Brandon Weeden, who he coached in the Senior Bowl, and might try to trade down into the 20s of the first round to take him. Weeden is 28 and that scares a lot of teams, but he's mature and ready to play in the NFL right away, and the Redskins don't have time to wait around for someone to develop.

"

Weeden was arguably the most impressive quarterback at the Senior Bowl, which featured other draft-worthy quarterbacks such as Russell Wilson, Kirk Cousins and Nick Foles. Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III are juniors and didn't play, and Ryan Tannehill was out with a foot injury.

Shanahan was the coach of Weeden's squad in Mobile, so there was certainly enough time for the Redskins' head man to get a long look at the former Oklahoma State quarterback.

Trading down into the 20s would allow the Redskins to take Weeden at a position more suited to his value while also gaining another high pick.

There are worries about this direction, however. 

One major red flag surrounding Weeden is his age, as he'll turn 29 years old in October. Some teams will eliminate Weeden as a first-round possibility solely on the limited shelf life he offers.

But as Banks argues, Weeden might be the most NFL-ready of the guys behind Luck and Griffin III. Some have compared his value at this point to that of Andy Dalton, who the Cincinnati Bengals took in the second round of the 2011 draft. Dalton then led the Bengals to nine wins and a playoff spot in the AFC during his rookie season.

Of course, we'll have to see what free agency brings the Redskins. Washington could make a move for a quarterback in the month and a half before the draft begins, as both Matt Flynn and Peyton Manning could be popular options.

This Weeden possibility is simply another scenario for the Redskins to chew on as they prepare to make huge changes at the quarterback position for the 2012 season.