Washington Redskins' Trade with St. Louis Rams Does Cleveland Browns Huge Favor

The Washington Redskins have acquired the second pick in the 2012 NFL draft from the St. Louis Rams.

Whether the Cleveland Browns really wanted to transition from Colt McCoy to Robert Griffin III is irrelevant at this point. Also, with Griffin III out of the way, the Cleveland Browns (and the media) can begin to focus on the more important issues needing addressed on the team.

The Redskins did the Browns a huge favor.

ESPN Cleveland analyst Bruce Hooley disagrees.

"The Redskins will now get Heisman Trophy quarterback Robert Griffin to lead their franchise into the next decade.  It doesn’t matter what you offered the Rams for the No. 2 pick. All that matters is you didn’t offer enough," said Hooley.

All of this controversy and negativity by media and fans over a prospect is mind boggling. Will Griffin III turn out to be a great NFL quarterback? There is that possibility.  

But to draft him and mortgage both first round picks, this year's second round pick and next year's first round pick is completely absurd for a team that has been void of winning for a very, very long time.

Teams like the Redskins make moves like this. How have they worked for the 'Skins in recent history?

Come on now, you all are smarter than that.

Besides, another quarterback could still potentially be on the horizon given Mike Holmgren and Tom Heckert's propensity to develop them. However, with Tom Heckert's recent comments about not pursuing Peyton Manning and other high-profile quarterback free agents point to drafting a mid-late round prospect to develop while Heckert and Pat Shurmur can evaluate Colt McCoy further.

This trade allows, as I said, the Browns to focus on more pressing needs. With the No. 4 overall pick, or through a potential trade down opportunity, the Browns can continue the building process Tom Heckert started by obtaining multiple picks in exchange for Julio Jones at the 2011 NFL draft.

What will the Browns do?

Everyone seems to have their opinion of just what is plaguing the Browns over the past decade. Believe it or not though, they are on the right track. The defense made huge improvements in 2011 and is a few players away from fielding a top tier NFL defense.

The upcoming draft will make or break the Cleveland Browns. Mike Holmgren, Tom Heckert and Pat Shurmur have everything riding on it. Allow them to finish what they started and make the moves they—and their talent scouts—see best fit for their philosophy.

The sun will rise tomorrow Browns fans. My condolences to everyone about Robert Griffin III, but brighter days are ahead.

Follow Mike on Twitter @BigHoagowski