5 Players That RGIII Would Most Love for the Washington Redskins to Draft

All signs are pointing to Robert Griffin III as the next starting quarterback of the Washington Redskins. 

Fans are hopeful that Griffin answers the call of becoming the face of a franchise that has so desperately longed for one for more than two decades. 

In an effort to assure Griffin's success with the Redskins, Bruce Allen and Mike Shanahan need to focus on surrounding the young quarterback with ample talent. With anticipation of a deep 2012 draft class, the front office doesn't have to waste much time. 

Philip Blake

As most quarterbacks will tell you, familiarity with your center is a crucial piece of the puzzle in terms of success at the position. 

The Redskins currently have some questions along the offensive line and no one seems prepared to go to war for Will Montgomery as the team's starting center. 

Robert Griffin III knows more than enough about center Philip Blake, who he took snaps from at Baylor for his last two (and most successful) collegiate seasons. 

Although Blake will turn 27 as a rookie, he's a versatile center with the necessary bulk to succeed at the next level. Blake would likely be a more natural fit in a zone-blocking scheme where his common over-extensions are limited, making him a fit in Shanahan's scheme in Washington. 

Kendall Wright

The Redskins have done enough to address the wide receiver position via free agency this offseason, but that won't keep RGIII from wanting his buddy, Kendall Wright, in Washington. 

Wright is the explosive playmaker that Redskins coaches are looking for, with a consistent ability to get behind secondaries and make plays after the catch. 

In addition to Wright being strongly considered as a first-rounder come April, the Redskins also believe to have found their Wright-like receiver for Griffin in signing Pierre Garcon. 

Although this is far from being a team need anymore, one can dream. 

Mitchell Schwartz

Despite rumors of a solid recovery for current right tackle Jammal Brown, the Redskins understand there are questions at right tackle for next season. With the anticipation of a rookie signal-caller, the team can't afford to put together a scrubbish offensive line. 

Without a pick until the third round following the selection of Griffin, the Redskins could cross their fingers for an experienced lineman like California's Mitchell Schwartz to fall to them. 

Schwartz is an experienced tackle prospect with versatility and smarts. Some expect Schwartz to earn his paychecks as a guard in the NFL, but I firmly believe that he's a starting right tackle at the next level with some added physicality. 

In terms of what Shanahan looks for in his linemen, Schwartz is a very possible choice if he's around in the early part of the third round. Very few can deny their attraction to a lineman like Schwartz with his versatility, leadership and motor. 

Casey Hayward

What makes the offense's job easier? When the defense plays well. 

The Redskins have more than a few holes in their secondary, and they will very likely address that area come draft day. 

DeAngelo Hall proved last season that he shouldn't be a starting No. 1 corner in the NFL, and he has a detrimental contract to boot. Josh Wilson is a decent No. 2 option, but the Redskins could quietly be on the hunt for more. 

Vanderbilt's Casey Hayward is beginning to look like he might be available in the early part of the third round. If for whatever reason the Redskins believe that the secondary is a more pressing issue than the first, then Hayward is a viable option. He has solid SEC experience, great hands and a nose for the football.

Cyrus Gray

Redskins fans were pleasantly surprised last season with the team's overachieving backfield of rookies in Roy Helu and Evan Royster. After losing starter Tim Hightower to an ACL tear, Shanahan made the most of his first-year guys behind a questionable offensive line. 

The team has yet to re-sign Hightower, and Helu is the expected Week 1 starter. But even with a somewhat promising position, why not try as many hands as you can? Not to mention, Helu doesn't hold the reputation of being the most durable back.

Griffin would enjoy as many running backs as possible, and a dual-threat runner out of the backfield like Texas A&M's Cyrus Gray is attractive. If Shanahan sticks to his guns and takes a shot at a late-round running back, Gray would be deserving of the opportunity.