2012 NFL Draft: Love-Struck Teams Vie for RGIII

He is faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive and can leap tall buildings in a single bound.  He’s Superman, right? 

Well, no, but rumors make him out to be. 

With a Heisman Trophy in hand, Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III is already a hero.  But after mesmerizing coaches and scouts at the NFL Scouting Combine, he now has entire cities talking about him.  Can RGIII swoop in to save a football franchise?  Inquiring minds want to know.

In a post-combine interview with NFL Network, RGIII did not hesitate when he was asked to name the teams that met with him in private.  Six of the eight he mentioned have top-10 picks in April’s draft, and while most have clear needs at the quarterback position, others may envision Griffin as an upgrade or a long-term solution. 

So, without further ado, let’s check out the teams that appear to be most enamored with RGIII and what they will have to do to get into position to snatch him. 

Note: The following franchises are in no particular order.  Their chances of securing RGIII rest on a number of scenarios, including the outside chance that Indianapolis will select Griffin instead of Stanford’s Andrew Luck.  The St. Louis Rams have the No. 2 selection, but they are set at quarterback with Sam Bradford and have expressed a willingness to trade their pick.  Free agency could also play a pivotal role in the outcome. 

WASHINGTON

We’ll start with Washington because the Redskins are currently getting the most chatter, and friendships can be fruitful.  According to NFL Network insider Michael Lombardi, head coach Mike Shanahan is a good friend of Rams new head coach Jeff Fisher.  During an interview with Bill Simmons on his B.S. Report podcast, Lombardi claimed that the men are very close and "if there’s a trade to be made, it’ll happen between those two.”  In addition, a relationship between Redskins GM Bruce Allen and St. Louis COO Kevin Demoff dates back to their days in Tampa Bay, when Allen held the same role with the Bucs. 

NBC4 in Washington interviewed Shanahan after reporting that his team is considered the front-runner for RGIII.  But the head coach neither confirmed nor denied the claim.  Instead, he spoke cautiously about the lofty price of a potential franchise quarterback.

“If you go back and look at the draft over the past 20 to 30 years, the biggest mistake that is made every year is the quarterback.  Who is the franchise quarterback?  Everyone is looking for one and so, you’re looking for that guy.  And I think you've got to do your due diligence.  You’ve got to go back and make sure you leave no stone unturned in your preparation, and if you do pick that guy that you think is your franchise quarterback, you’ve got to be right.”

NBC Philadelphia’s Howard Eskin tweeted: “I’m told by people within the Redskins that they’re prepared to offer picks 1, 2 and 3 this year, and at least a 1 next year to move up to get RGIII at 2.” 

It sounds like a lot to lose, but Redskins owner Daniel Snyder has never been shy about pushing the envelope to get what he wants in Washington.

CBSSports.com's Mike Freeman reported that three teams, including the Redskins, are “strongly considering” a blockbuster trade to acquire RGIII.  SI.com's Peter King then added more fuel to the fire in his Monday Morning QB column.  King claims that at least two teams could be mystery ones that nobody expects to wheel and deal.

Of course, the Redskins will have to contend with teams ahead of them in the draft order, who may also choose to court RGIII.  There’s also the Peyton factor.  In February, Washington reportedly was among the teams interested in Peyton Manning, if the Colts' free agent leaves Indianapolis and is healthy enough to play in 2012. 

But NBC has reported that the Redskins could have a change of heart.  According to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, Manning may not want to play for Washington because its climate is not conducive to big passing numbers.  Florio also claims that "Peyton won’t want to compete in the same division with his brother, Eli, and won’t mesh with Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan.” 

Nobody knows that better than former Washington quarterback Donovan McNabb, who expressed the same sentiment on ESPN Radio.  “Peyton's not gonna go there,” said McNabb, on the John Thompson Show.  “It’s the same situation (as I was in).  Peyton’s another 35, 36-year-old veteran who has been in one offense his whole career."    

CLEVELAND

The team that has the most to give and perhaps nothing to lose is the Cleveland Browns.  Two years into the Colt McCoy experiment, the team is anxious to contend, but they are a long way off from doing so. 

It is not entirely McCoy’s fault, because he has not had much of an offense to work with.  But his critics are saying that the former Texas quarterback and third-round pick is destined to be a good backup in the NFL.  McCoy’s arm is average at best and his measurables are nowhere close to stacking up with RGIII’s. 

At the 2010 NFL Combine, McCoy’s numbers were unspectacular.  He long-jumped 9.06’ and ran a 4.79 40-yard dash, which was seven-tenths of a point slower than Florida’s Tim Tebow.  McCoy also did not throw or take part in the vertical jump, because he was still suffering from a shoulder injury.

In contrast, RGIII blew the doors off of Lucas Oil Stadium.  His time of 4.41 in the 40-yard dash was the second fastest among quarterbacks in the last 25 combines.  Only former Texas A&M star Reggie McNeal did better (4.40), but he played most of his short NFL career as a wide receiver.

RGIII also put to rest any questions about his height and weight.  He was rumored to be just 6'0" and 200 pounds, but he tipped the scales at 223 and stood tall to measure 6'2-3/8".  In contrast, McCoy stands at just 6'1" and weighs about 10 pounds less than RGIII. 

An offer from Cleveland would be hard for St. Louis to pass up.  The Browns own the fourth and 22nd overall choices in the draft and can sweeten the deal with high picks in the remaining rounds.  They can also kick in a No. 1 or No. 2 next year.  

The only offer that could compete with three No.1 picks in two years would be three No. 1 picks over three years, which Washington may have to consider, to stay in the game.  But the Browns would still have an advantage over the Redskins because they play in the AFC.  If the Rams made a deal outside of their conference, they would not have to worry about facing RGIII in the playoffs. 

Cleveland’s advantage over Washington may also be aided by Tampa Bay, which holds the fifth overall pick.  According to the St. Louis Times Dispatch, the Rams are very high on LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne.  If the team’s brass decides he is their man, a deal could be made to swap picks with the Buccaneers.  Tampa would likely grab Oklahoma State wide receiver Justin Blackmon at No. 2 and the Rams would take Claiborne at No. 5.  Connections could also play a significant role in that scenario.  While filling out his staff, new Bucs head coach Greg Schiano hired Ron Cooper, who was Claiborne’s defensive backs coach at LSU.

MIAMI

The Dolphins have the eighth overall choice in the draft, which makes them very much alive in the RGIII race. But Miami could opt to go in several directions. 

First off, the team has a new head coach named Joe Philbin, who helped lead Green Bay to a Super Bowl title as the team’s offensive coordinator.  One of his quarterbacks with the Packers was Matt Flynn, who currently is the second most sought-after free agent at the position. 

Another possibility for Miami could be Texas A&M signal caller Ryan Tannehill, who is considered by most experts to be the third best quarterback in this year’s draft.  Tannehill was coached in college by former Packers head coach Mike Sherman, who was recently hired by Philbin to be the Dolphins' offensive coordinator.  Tannehill did not work out at the combine because of a broken foot, but should be fully recovered for his pro day on March 29.

Last but not least, of course, is the Peyton factor.  Manning’s veteran leadership would be embraced in Miami and his reputation alone would sell seats in a stadium that could sure use it.  Recent reports have stated that if a team signs Manning, it could receive a package deal from the Colts that would include free agent Reggie Wayne.  Pairing Wayne at wideout with Brandon Marshall, on an offense that includes running back Reggie Bush, could make Manning very comfortable in the warm confines of South Beach.

BUFFALO

Since Jim Kelly's retirement following the 1996 season, the Bills have searched high and low for a franchise quarterback.  The team also has not sniffed the playoffs in 12 years.  Prior to last year's draft, the organization got its hopes up for Andrew Luck, but Luck decided to stay at Stanford for another year.  That news forced the beleaguered Bills to stick with Ryan Fitzpatrick, and they used the No. 3 pick on Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus.

As a Harvard graduate, Fitzpatrick is one of the most intelligent quarterbacks Chan Gailey has ever coached, and that includes Hall of Famer Troy Aikman.  So, it was not surprising when Buffalo’s head coach decided to have a chat with RGIII, who holds a 3.67 GPA at Baylor and wishes to eventually attend law school. 

Gailey's offense is a spread-style one like Baylor’s.  He is also considered an offensive guru who’s not afraid to attack offenses with a mobile quarterback.  Gailey may be best known for turning Kordell Stewart into “Slash” in Pittsburgh.   RGIII is more talented than Stewart, but there are clear similarities between the two.  Stewart’s 40-time, by the way, was 4.52. 

It would take a king’s ransom for the Bills to move up from No. 10 to No. 2 in the draft order, and general manager Buddy Nix sternly confirmed that opinion, just two days after the combine.  "It is absolute.  It's a no," Nix told BuffaloBills.com,  "You have to give up the farm.  We're not in that business."    

Nix sounds honest, but could he be bluffing?  The Bills appear to be close to either franchising or re-signing wide receiver Steve Johnson, but until they do, Buffalo fans can still dream for the unexpected.  St. Louis has a dire need for pass catchers, so trading for one who has back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons, is not out of the question. 

Back in 2010, the Bills surprised everyone, when they chose Clemson running back C.J. Spiller with the the 9th overall pick.  Buffalo was already loaded at running back, with Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch, and overlooked needs at quarterback and offensive line to select Spiller.

Nix also has a history of draft day surprises.  As Director of Player Personnel in San Diego, he was instrumental in drafting LaDainian Tomlinson and Drew Brees in the first two rounds of the 2001 draft.  And as the team’s Assistant GM, he chose current Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson. 

But Nix’s claim to fame came in 2004, when he helped to engineer a draft-day trade with the New York Giants.  San Diego initially selected Eli Manning and then traded him to the Giants for Philip Rivers.  New York came out ahead on the deal with two Super Bowl wins, but Nix undoubtedly knows a thing or two about franchise quarterbacks. 

KANSAS CITY

With the 11th overall choice, Kansas City could make some noise in the battle for RGIII.  The Chiefs have a pair of credible quarterbacks in Matt Cassell and Kyle Orton, but Orton is a free agent and Cassell is on the hot seat after passing for just 13 touchdowns last season. 

Injuries to some of their best playmakers hurt the Chiefs dearly in 2011 and cost head coach Todd Haley his job.  Romeo Crennel replaced him, and after beating the undefeated Packers, he retained the job for 2012.  Unfortunately, Crennel may not be the best leader to follow.  He is currently under investigation by the NFL for possible tampering violations, after expressing an interest in Peyton Manning and Miami quarterback Chad Henne.

Nevertheless, Kansas City could be an intriguing city for a new quarterback to call home.  Star running back Jamal Charles should be good to go after a knee injury ended his season prematurely last year.  Tight end Tony Moeaki also returns from injury and the Chiefs are reportedly planning to use the franchise tag on unrestricted free agent Dwayne Bowe. 

RGIII in an offense with that much firepower would make Kansas City an instant contender.

MINNESOTA AND JACKSONVILLE

The Vikings and Jaguars both selected quarterbacks in 2011’s first round, but it does not mean that they’re going to sit idle on the draft-day sidelines.  With the third and seventh picks overall, they could be involved in three-team trades, or they could surprise, by trading with the Rams for the No. 2 pick.  RGIII would certainly be an upgrade over Christian Ponder and Blaine Gabbert, but both teams may choose to use their picks to fix more dire needs, such as the offensive and defensive lines. 

Least likely draft day-occurrence:  Hell freezes over and St. Louis decides not to give up the No. 2 pick.  If that happened, Minnesota’s phones would ring off the hook.    

SEATTLE

While some experts believe that Seattle can’t mortgage its future on RGIII, others say they should roll the dice.  Charlie Whitehurst has not panned out and appears to be a wasted investment.  Meanwhile, Tarvaris Jackson is not the answer and never has been.

The Seahawks' best chance for RGIII would be if Washington and Miami find other solutions and Cleveland decides to stay put at the four spot.

In case you are curious, Seattle did not interview RGIII at the combine.

INDIANAPOLIS

The firing of Colts general manager Bill Polian has led to speculation that owner Jim Irsay was at odds with Polian over the fate of Peyton Manning.  That reason alone could lead to a termination.  But what if the two men did not see eye to eye on the No. 1 pick?  Polian could have had his sights set on RGIII, while Irsay was adamant about selecting two-time Heisman Trophy runner-up Andrew Luck.

Indy fans may never know the truth about Polian, but they are on pins and needles over Manning and the No. 1 pick.  

"I hope somebody falls in love with me other than my fiancee," Griffin joked at the combine. "That's what you want. As a player you want a team that really wants you. Head coach, GM, owner, everybody that really wants you in that place and the players believe in you. That's what I'm looking forward to. I'm looking forward to making somebody fall in love with me."

Trust me, Robert.  If the Colts don’t fall for you, there are plenty of teams that will.