2012 NFL Free Agents: Players Redskins Need to Pursue for RG3

Now that the Washington Redskins have officially selected Robert Griffin III with the No. 2 pick in the 2012 NFL draft, it's time to take a look at some free agents still out there on the market that they should pursue to help him on his journey.

They Redskins are set at the wide receiver position, having signed Joshua Morgan and Pierre Garcon in free agency to go along with Leonard Hankerson and Santana Moss, but they still have a few key issues that need to be resolved at other positions.

Here are the free agents they need to pursue to give RG3 the best chance to thrive as a rookie.

Tim Hightower, Running Back

To be honest, I'm not sure why the 'Skins haven't already made this deal. 

Hightower is coming off of an ACL injury, but he'll be ready to roll in June, and the Redskins are reportedly still interested in signing him.

They better do it soon, because Hightower won't be around much longer. He has visited with the New England Patriots recently, and he'd be a terrific fit for them, too.

Hightower is a speedy, shifty runner who is most effective in the passing game on screens and as an outlet on busted plays. 

The Redskins need to sign Hightower.

Visanthe Shiancoe, Tight End

The Redskins have one terrific tight end in Fred Davis, but he's tested positive for marijuana recently and served a four-game suspension last year—his second offense.

One more and he's facing a year-long suspension, so the Redskins would be smart to bolster their roster with Shiancoe.

The 'Skins still have Chris Cooley on the roster, and according to Mike Shanahan via Fredricksburg.com, he “feels as good as he’s felt for the last couple years."

That being said, Cooley's best days may be behind him, and the Redskins need to get better for the future.

Shiancoe is an athletic tight end who has been highly productive for the last five years with the Minnesota Vikings, and he is a big target in the red zone—a quarterback's best friend.

Vernon Carey, Offensive Guard

At 30 years old, Carey is no spring chicken, but he is an experienced veteran guard who'll vastly improve the Redskins' porous offensive line.

At this time, they have four guards on their roster—none of whom are legit starters in the NFL.

He is a mauler in the run game, and the Redskins will need to establish a strong ground attack to insulate RG3 from having to throw too much.

Carey has been a full-time starter since 2005, and his addition to the offensive line will go a long way toward a successful 2012 campaign for Griffin III and the Redskins.

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