Washington Redskins 2012 Mock Draft: What Happens After Robert Griffin III?

With the 2012 NFL draft quickly approaching and the Redskins appearing more and more like the favorite to land Heisman-winning quarterback Robert Griffin III, a lot of the talk now has shifted towards what the team will do with the remainder of their picks. 

Assuming that Griffin is the new face in Washington—the face of the franchise, I might add—what are the Redskins' options moving forward? What draft ammo are they even left with?

Look no further. Here's version No. 1.

Round 1: Robert Griffin III

The prayers of Redskins Nation have been answered. 

In a trade that sends the 2012 first-round pick, the 2012 third-round pick, one 2012 fourth-round pick, the 2013 first-round pick and the 2013 fifth-round pick, the Redskins make a deal with the St. Louis Rams to move up to No. 2 in this April's draft and take Baylor quarterback Robert Griffin III. 

Not only does the team need Griffin, but so does Mike Shanahan. And even more than the franchise and the coach, the city of Washington needs a shot in the arm.

Sure, Ovechkin and John Wall are great, but this is a Redskins town—plain and simple. Griffin serves as that jolt of fresh energy that this city so desperately craves. 

It may seem like a lot of picks at first, and that's because it is. But there's always a risk involved when drafting college athletes. And that risk drastically increases when you talk about trading up. 

However, this is a move that is made based on the confidence of a franchise's scouting department and coaches. This move is made with optimism, not the eventual cost of what it means to lose a future first-rounder. 

Round 2: Brian Quick

In my opinion, the free-agent wide receiver market consisting of "top-tier" talent is very deceiving this year. Guys like Marques Colston, Vincent Jackson and DeSean Jackson appear to be more of a name than actual players, therefore not making them a good fit with Shanahan at all. 

Assuming that the team addresses the offensive line via free agency, I think the Redskins go after a playmaker in the second round. With original belief that they would have to give up their No. 2 as a part of the Griffin deal, Shanahan and Bruce Allen will be happy to acquire a weapon for their new quarterback. 

Appalachian State's Brian Quick may be an inexperienced receiver, but he has a lot of potential in the NFL. Blessed with a physical frame, big hands and an impressive vertical leap, Quick is another former basketball star that will look to make the jump. 

There is a learning curve with Quick, including his level of competition and route-running, but the Redskins score large with a playmaker in the second round and hope for some Jimmy Graham-like potential. 

For those interested in a full scouting report on Brian Quick, message or email me. 

Round 4: Casey Hayward

The Redskins do part ways with a fourth-rounder in the Griffin deal, but they're stacked with two picks in the round this year. 

Continuing to cross my fingers and hope for Vanderbilt's Casey Hayward to drop to the fourth round, I'll mock him here to the Redskins again. 

Hayward is a ball-hawking cornerback with tremendous experience in the nation's toughest conference. Although perhaps best-suited in zone coverage, Hayward has the speed, length and physicality to succeed in any scheme.

And for a secondary that struggles like Washington's, Hayward would almost immediately become the team's No. 3. 

Round 5: Nate Potter

Even after addressing the offensive line in free agency, Shanahan could take a liking to Boise State's Nate Potter as an athletic lineman with the potential to be a guard or right tackle. 

Another intriguing prospect here could be Nevada linebacker James-Michael Johnson, but Shanahan places more value in athletic linemen. 

Potter is a bit undersized for the tackle spot and he needs to get a little more aggressive at the next level, but he's a guy that can move and has crafty technique for such a large (6'6", 306 pounds) young man.

He's a fit for Shanny's ZBS and the coach was pleased with the last Boise lineman he drafted (Ryan Clady in Denver). 

Round 6: Cyrus Gray

I've heard some people label the Redskins' backfield as one of the team's deepest positions. But without dependability and proof, I'm not ready to preach that.

Tim Hightower started the season and went down with a blown knee. As a free agent, Hightower is expected to re-sign with the Redskins. However, his contract, nor his health, is guaranteed in Washington. 

Roy Helu was a great find in last year's draft and he's certainly the favorite to start next season. But durability has been an issue regarding Helu since his early days of college. Don't think that Shanny doesn't know this. 

Finally, Evan Royster performed well (for the most part) when called upon. But did he perform well enough to solidify himself? The answer is no. 

Cyrus Gray is an experienced tailback in a high fire-power conference with the numbers to back up his production. Gray is a dual-threat out of the backfield and he could easily fit the mold as a late-round Shanahan running back. 

Round 7: Grant Garner

If last season's guard Kory Lichtensteiger makes a full recovery from his torn ACL and returns to the Redskins next season, he very well could be placed at his more natural center position. But with his health and free agency undetermined, nothing is promised. 

Let's assume Lichtensteiger doesn't come back—or at least he doesn't play at center. Oklahoma State center Grant Garner would battle with Will Montgomery in camp to see who would start the season. 

Ideally, Garner wins the job and he's able to grow with Griffin and develop that one-of-a-kind business relationship (a la Manning/Saturday). But if Montgomery wins, that's okay too. Garner is an upgrade to the offensive line unit whether he starts or not. 

Garner has the experience and the athleticism to get to the second level. With a mobile quarterback like Griffin, Garner would be a perfect fit in Washington.