Washington Redskins 2012 NFL Draft Picks: Results, Analysis, and Grades

The 2012 NFL Draft is set to begin with the first round tonight, and the Washington Redskins have all but selected Baylor QB Robert Griffin III. The Indianapolis Colts have told Andrew Luck he will be the first pick, making the decision very easy for the Redskins. 

The Heisman winner is one of the most electrifying players to come out of the draft, but the Redskins have other issues to fix as well. They gave up multiple picks to get into the No. 2 spot, so they better hit on the remainder of their picks. 

Although Griffin is pretty much set in stone, you'll have to check back later tonight for the update on the pick!

Quarterback is a need for the Redskins, but that is all but shored up with Robert Griffin III. 

They have completely revamped the safety position, but could look to add another body later in the draft. 

Offensive line and corner depth have to also be on their minds. It also wouldn't surprise me if they added another weapon for Griffin, despite the fact that they signed Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan. A slot receiver-type later in the draft would be a smart pick.  

As expected, the Washington Redskins made it official and selected Robert Griffin III from Baylor. Mike Shanahan and the Redskins obviously love what Griffin's potential brings to the table as they gave up the farm to move up from No. 6 overall. 

Here is what Mel Kiper had to say about Griffin: 

Another guy we've had penciled in for a while. Washington will expect him to start in Week 1. He's accurate, throws a fantastic deep ball, is a proven leader and has shown evaluators he's a QB first, athlete second. Great kid, great pick.

To view Bleacher Reports scouting report on Griffin, click this link. 

The Redskins obviously selected Griffin this high because they expect him to come in and be an immediate impact player. I think it's safe to say we've seen the last of Rex Grossman. Griffin, to me, is like MIchael Vick, but has more quarterback in him. He throws a beautiful deep ball and has above average accuracy. He is also extremely dangerous with his feet, but looks to make plays through the air when on the move. 

This was a perfect pick for the Redskins.

Grade: A+

The Redskins picked up a seventh rounder and moved two spots back, a solid move considering they had to know their pick would still be available. With the 71st pick, they selected guard Josh LeRibeus. 

Check out this in-depth analysis of LeRibeus' game. 

After selecting Robert Griffin III, the Redskins got someone to help protect their franchise quarterback. LeRibeus is not a dominant run blocker, but is very athletic and moves his feet well. He is one of the better pass blocking guards in this year's draft. 

I'm not sure I would have passed on Bobby Massie, but apparently nobody is touching him for some reason. 

Grade: B

With the 102nd pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Washington Redskins turned a lot of heads when they took Kirk Cousins out of Michigan State. They took Robert Griffin III, giving up three first round picks and a second round pick to get up to No. 2. 

This is obviously an insurance policy to Griffin, who runs and takes punishment often. He has durability issues as he's missed nearly an entire season with a torn ACL, so Cousins gives them a reliable, proven commodity as a backup. 

That said, were the Redskins in a position to get their backup this early? After finishing 2011 at 5-11, I wouldn't think so. They have issues with their offensive line, and they took a guard in the third round. But Jammal Brown and Trent Williams battled injuries last season, and with Bobby Massie sitting there the Redskins should have jumped on him.

Especially considering they lost backup Sean Locklear to the New York Giants. They should have added depth to the o-line.

Cousins can be a fine backup, but taking quarterbacks with two of their first three picks does not make sense to me. This grade does not necessarily reflect the player, but rather the timing of the pick. 

Grade: C 

With the 119th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Washington Redskins selected Keenan Robinson, outside linebacker from the University of Texas.

Check out the scouting report on Robinson.  

They moved down, picking up a sixth round pick in the process. Robinson is a solid player from Texas with some upside. He is a good fit for the strong outside linebacker spot, or he could even play inside in the Redskins' 3-4.

Robinson's best attribute is his speed and coverage skills. He can cover running backs and tight ends for the Redskins and has potential as a blitzer.  

He is very strong, but needs to be coached up in terms of tackling skills. He has good instincts, speed, and lateral agility in the run game, but his tackling dropped him down draft boards. He is not a particularly nasty player, being called finesse at times. He does not take on blocks well despite being very strong, but he can be a nice starter with good coaching.

The Redskins again pass up an opportunity to protect Robert Griffin by passing on Zebrie Sanders.  

Grade: B

With the 141st pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Washington Redskins have selected Adam Gettis, guard from the University of Iowa. The Redskins have now selected two guards in this draft.

Check out the scouting report on Gettis. 

Gettis is a perfect fit for Mike Shanahan's zone blocking scheme. He is undersized and does not have elite strength, but he came out of high school as a defensive end and displays good footwork, technique and athleticism. Could use work as a pass blocker but shows off versatility in run blocking as a successful trap and pull blocker. 

I wouldn't expect him to compete for a starting job right away, but can develop into a solid player for the Redskins. They still have yet to take an offensive tackle, which was a major need for me. 

Grade: B-

With the 173rd pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Redskins have selected Alfred Morris, bruising running back from Florida Atlantic. 

Morris dominated the weaker competition in the Sun Belt Conference and looks to be a solid goal-line and third-down back at the very least. He runs through arm tackles, looks for contact, and uses his compact frame and build to abuse defenders. 

At 5'10'', 220 lbs, he is a force running between the tackles, but possesses very average speed and is not a home-run threat. Will struggle to hit the edge at the next level. 

There is value for someone like Morris who can pass protect and run between the tackles. I'm not sure where he fits behind Roy Helu, Evan Royster, and Tim Hightower, however.  

Grade: C+

With the 193rd pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Washington Redskins selected Tom Compton, offensive tackle from South Dakota. 

A small school prospect with a lot of upside, Compton fell a bit and is a good value pick here in the latter half of the sixth round. He is a smart, hard-working, durable offensive tackle that started every game of his college career. 

A project that could take over at right tackle if and when Jammal Brown is no longer the starter. Both Brown and Trent Williams struggled with injuries, so the Redskins could end up needing Compton this season. He has long arms, good-sized hands and rarely misses blocks or assignments. If he can improve his strength and add some weight, he could be a starter some day. 

Grade: B

With the 213th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Redskins selected Richard Crawford, cornerback out of Southern Methodist. 

Crawford was a All-Conference USA, first-team corner selection and returned punts for SMU. He is a reach but the Redskins obviously like his ability in the return game. 

I'm not sure if he was even worth a pick, however. If he can play safety he fits a need, but does not have the size to do so. Corner back depth was also a need, so there's that. To put it in some perspective, NFL Draft Scout had him as the 607th ranked player. 

Grade: D

With the 217th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Washington Redskins took Jordan Bernstine, cornerback from the University of Iowa. 

Funnily enough, Bernstine looks like a better corner prospect than the guy they took four picks earlier, Richard Crawford. Bernstine is a big, fast player that could convert to safety if the Redskins want. He is versatile and well coached. 

His upside is tremendous. Bernstine ran a 4.44 and jumped a 41 inch vertical. He is explosive and can be one of the steals of the draft. He also brings the Redskins an option in the return game, the same with Crawford. However, if Bernstine can stay healthy he has more of a chance to make an impact on defense. 

Grade: A

Round 1, Pick 2: Robert Griffin III, QB

This pick was fairly obvious, there was no way the 'Skins were going in any other direction. Grade: A+

Round 3, Pick 71: Josh LeRibeus, OG

The Redskins looked to upgrade their offensive line depth and this was just the first of three offensive lineman picked. Did not like the OTs passed up to take LeRibeus. Grade: B

Round 4, Pick 102: Kirk Cousins, QB

Hated this pick, but Cousins is a decent player and will be a good backup for the Redskins. Hard to give it less than this grade. Grade: C

Round 4, Pick 119: Keenen Robinson, OLB 

Good pick for what the Redskins do. Robinson can play inside in the 3-4 where he won't have to take on as many blocks. Grade: B 

Round 5, Pick 141: Adam Gettis, OG 

Good fit for the Redskins' zone blocking scheme, needs to work on pass blocking and getting stronger at the point of attack. Grade: B-  

Round 6, Pick 173: Alfred Morris, RB

I'm not knocking the player, but I struggle to see where Morris fits on the loaded depth chart. Could make the practice squad and come in in case of injuries. Grade: C+

Round 6, Pick 193: Tom Compton, OT

Compton is a project and could be a backup tackle right now, starter in the future. Grade: B

Round 7, Pick 213: Richard Crawford, CB

Didn't feel like Crawford warranted a pick at all, could have been an undrafted free agent picked up. Maybe they felt he wouldn't come to them. Solid return man. Grade: D

Round 7, Pick 217: Jordan Bernstine, CB

Solid kick returner, huge upside with athleticism. Could move to strong safety with size and speed. Grade: A

OVERALL DRAFT GRADE: B 

Have to love the addition of Robert Griffin and the steps they took to keep him upright. A couple questionable picks, but overall, they definitely improved.