2012 NFL Draft: Rams Trade Their No. 2 Pick to the Redskins for a Fortune

There have been many scenarios presented regarding the St. Louis Rams and their prized No. 2 overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft, but the speculation has seemingly ended. 

Jay Glazer of Fox Sports has reported that the Rams have agreed to a trade in principle with the Washington Redskins, who will apparently spend the No. 2 pick on Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Robert Griffin III.  

The trade has been confirmed by ESPN insider Adam Schefter. 

In return, the Rams will acquire Washington's No. 6 overall pick, as well as their No. 39 overall pick in the second round. In addition, the Rams now own the Redskins' 2013 and 2014 first-round picks. 

There was speculation that the Rams would trade the top pick ahead of time in order to better clarify their draft-day strategy, which in return gives the team a better idea of who they need to pursue in free agency, which begins March 13th. 

Now that the Rams have moved down four spots in the draft, they are more than likely out of the running for cornerback Morris Claiborne (LSU) and tackle Matt Kalil (USC). 

However, as far as value, the No. 6 spot is seemingly a perfect fit for Oklahoma State receiver Justin Blackmon, who answered questions regarding his speed at his Pro Day on Friday after running the 40-yard dash in a promising 4.46 seconds.

Perhaps Blackmon's workout is one factor that encouraged the Rams to pull the trigger on the trade. 

Also, Peyton Manning's hunt for a new team did not include a visit to Washington, and there seemed to be little interest on Manning's part. This is another possible cause for the sudden completion of the trade. 

In the end, a rebuilding team such as the Rams could not have asked for better fortune. The newly acquired picks will greatly aid in the revitalization of the team moving forward. 

As for the Redskins, the No. 2 overall pick may very well bring them something they've been searching for ever since Joe Theismann retired in the '80s—a franchise quarterback.