NFL Draft 2012: Robert Griffin and Stars Who'll Resurrect Maligned Franchises

Much of what we've grown accustomed to in the NFL is about to change. Well, it will change if some of the high-picking teams make the right moves. 

These players will step in to their new teams and completely change the identity of long-struggling franchises. That is all you can ask for. 

Note: While I do believe that Andrew Luck will be successful, the Colts are a strong franchise that had a bad season in 2011. They are far from a "maligned franchise."

Robert Griffin III

Predicted Team: Washington Redskins

A scenario may exist that would have the Redskins not taking RG3, but I can't see it. This franchise needs a quarterback of the future, they gave up an awful lot to get the second pick and Griffin is an obvious choice. 

We learned today via Pierre Garcon's Facebook page that he'll be headed to Washington, Mike Jones and Mark Maske of the the Washington Post reported that they signed Josh Morgan, and Eddie Royal as well. They also still have Santana Moss, so the weapons are in place. 

Griffin is a fantastic athlete, but a quarterback first. When a play breaks down, he's capable of moving around and getting yards with his legs, or at least extending plays. 

But he's also very good at just dropping back and playing a more traditional quarterback's role. The pieces are there in Washington and the division can be had. 

Even in the Redskins' glory years, they had different quarterbacks. Joe Theismann won Super Bowl XXII, Doug Williams won Super Bowl XXII, and Mark Rypien won Super Bowl XXVI. With Griffin, they'll have a franchise quarterback to rely on for the next decade, something that has escaped Washington for a long time. 

Matt Kalil

Predicted Team: Minnesota Vikings

Christian Ponder showed a lot of promise a season ago, but his mobility was put to the test far too often. That is something that will have to change if the Vikings are going to get back to contention against what is shaping up to be a fierce NFC North. 

Adding a player like Kalil would not only protect Ponder, but it would also give the Vikings offense a chance to design some good plays for Percy Harvin. His playmaking ability is really tempered by the lack of protection that has hit Minnesota. 

Kalil is a franchise left tackle. He was stellar at USC and will be so again in the NFL. The Vikings can't afford to let him go. 

Justin Blackmon

Predicted Team: Cleveland Browns

The Browns' offense was an absolute joke a season ago. Getting a seven-point lead on them was about the equivalent of a 24-point lead on any other team in the NFL. They have no real receivers that can make a big play. Cleveland ended up relying on Joshua Cribbs, who is a return man, not a receiver. 

Blackmon is a phenomenal receiver. He has the size you want to be a good red zone target, and also the speed and burst that would be ideal for a big play target. 

Whether the quarterback going forward is Colt McCoy or anyone else, the Browns will need a real receiver for him to work with. Blackmon is that guy and will be for a long time. He is a game-changer, which the Browns haven't had in far too long. 

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