NFC East 2012 Draft: Buy or Sell the Washington Redskins' Draft Picks

The Washington Redskins added a potential franchise quarterback and used the rest of their selections on unheralded development prospects. They covered their needs, adding numbers to both the offensive line and secondary.

However, some of the Redskins' mid-round selections were a little underwhelming, given the names they had been linked with prior to the draft. There was also an inevitable and healthy amount of draft day controversy involving the team due to the selection of Kirk Cousins.

Grabbing two quarterbacks with their first three picks raised more than a few eyebrows, as did the Redskins' decision to load up on players who were not highly-touted entering the draft.

With these factors in mind, here is a buy-or-sell analysis of each of the Redskins' 2012 draft picks.

Round 1: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor

In the interests of full disclosure, Robert Griffin III was not this author's first choice, nor was the idea to give away so much to trade up to get him. However, that is no slight on Griffin's obvious talents.

He is a strong-armed passer, blessed with a quick release, as well as being a powerful and dangerous open field runner. If Griffin can replicate even a fraction of the playmaking skills he displayed at the collegiate level during his rookie season, the Redskins will be a better team.

Verdict: BUY

The Redskins' struggles at quarterback are well-documented and have crippled the franchise ever since its last Super Bowl triumph in January 1992. It's now down to Griffin to handle the pressure and justify the high price the team paid for him.

Round 3: Josh LeRibeus, G, SMU

The Redskins sprung a mild surprise in the third round when they selected SMU interior offensive lineman Josh LeRibeus. While the pick certainly answers a need, the Redskins left names like Zebrie Sanders and Bobby Massie on the board.

That's not to say that LeRibeus doesn't have the potential to be an immediate contributor in D.C. He plays with a true aggressive streak and lays big hits on defenders at the second level.

LeRibeus is mobile enough to fit well in Mike Shanahan's zone-blocking scheme. His stock rose steadily, and he should quickly push for playing time.

Verdict: BUY

LeRibeus may not be the kind of marquee name offensive line prospect many wanted or expected. Yet he can add some toughness to an interior too often mauled by quick and powerful inside rushers.

Round 4: Kirk Cousins, QB, Michigan State

Many may expect this author to use this opportunity to put the boot in on Mike Shanahan. However, Kirk Cousins was a smart pick by this regime.

He is a cerebral signal caller whose selection allowed the team to part ways with the disappointing John Beck and also raises questions about the future of Rex Grossman. Having another young quarterback learn the system alongside Griffin could be good for the development of both players.

There is one worry that the pick may be a way to apply pressure to Griffin. The concern then being, does Griffin need that kind of motivation to keep him focused?

However, although few would like to admit the possibility, there is nothing wrong with the Redskins drafting a potential insurance policy against Griffin being a bust.

Verdict: BUY

Having two intelligent, young passers learning the playbook only strengthens the long-term prospects at the position.

Round 4: Keenan Robinson, LB, Texas

The Redskins' smart approach to the fourth round continued with the selection of Texas linebacker Kennan Robinson. The 6'3", 242-pounder has the athleticism and versatility to immediately find a home in the rotation on Washington's 3-4 defense.

Robinson is blessed with tremendous speed and therefore excels in pursuit. He also has some rush skills and is a long-armed pressure threat able to crash the edge.

Verdict: BUY

Robinson will boost depth all across the linebacker rotation and should see time at a variety of positions in third-down sub-packages.

Round 5: Adam Gettis, G, Iowa

Fifth-round pick Adam Gettis is a perfect fit for the Shanahan blocking system. Although there were more high-profile names on the board, such as Sanders and Senio Kelemete, Gettis was still a useful pick.

The Iowa product is a nimble-footed blocker with the range of movement of a natural zone lineman. Scouts may have been deterred by his lack of elite pro size, but that won't hinder the 6'2", 293-pounder in Shanahan's schemes.

Verdict: BUY

The Redskins could have gone for a tackle here, but the interior of the offensive line arguably needs the most work. Gettis has skills particular to zone blocking and could surprise many.

Round 6: Alfred Morris, RB, Florida Atlantic

It's hard not to be excited when Mike Shanahan drafts a running back in the late rounds. Florida Atlantic bruiser Alfred Morris continued the trend of the Redskins selecting low-key prospects.

Morris has the speed of thought and vision to be a useful zone runner in Washington's offense. At 219 pounds, he is more of a power runner than Roy Helu and Evan Royster.

The success of Shanahan's zone running attack has sometimes created the misconception that the backs featured in this system are chosen based on speed and elusiveness. However, most productive zone backs have been powerfully built runners.

Terrell Davis, Mike Anderson, Reuben Droughns and Clinton Portis all ran with a strong frame and packed a punch between the tackles. Morris could give the Redskins ground game a useful compliment to Helu's speed on the outside. He also offers excellent pass-blocking ability.

Verdict: BUY

The Shanahans favour having a number of running backs in the rotation. If Tim Hightower departs in free agency, Morris has the power and blocking skills to be a useful fit.

Round 6: Tom Compton, OT, South Dakota

The Redskins acquired a second sixth-round choice in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers and used it to add another piece to their shaky offensive line. South Dakota tackle Tom Compton plays with a brutal disposition and can compete at the problem position at right tackle.

He has decent off-the-snap quickness and can be useful on the move. The question mark surrounding Compton is a lack of lateral agility and little experience against top-tier competition.

Yet Compton is another youngster who bolsters the depth of the line and brings an aggressiveness to the front that has been missing for too long.

Verdict: BUY

After quarterback, offensive line was the biggest need entering the draft, so it's difficult not to at least be encouraged by this pick.

Round 7: Richard Crawford, CB, SMU

The final two selections of the Redskins' draft could be considered right picks, wrong players. Washington opted to wait until the last round to finally address the secondary.

After acquiring a seventh-round pick in an earlier trade with the Buffalo Bills, the Redskins had two opportunities to add quality defensive backs. However, they declined to choose some touted prospects when they selected SMU corner Richard Crawford.

Verdict: SELL

The Redskins passed on the likes of Coryell Judie and Alfonzo Dennard, which seems like a risk given the need for better secondary play this season.

Round 7: Jordan Bernstine, DB, Iowa

The Redskins concluded their draft by picking Iowa defensive back Jordan Bernstine. However, in doing so, they once again ignored more credible prospects.

Bernstine has seen time at both corner and safety and is certainly a fierce tackler. Yet given the need for quality backups at safety and with new signing Brandon Meriweather already in trouble, a traditional safety may have been a smarter pick.

Verdict: SELL

The Redskins opted against Syracuse safety Phillip Thomas and South Carolina's Antonio Allen. Both are classic safeties who could have more starter's potential than Bernstine.

They Passed on Marquee Names, but Griffin Will Determine This Draft's Success

Naturally, the play of Robert Griffin will determine the success of this draft. However, questions will be asked about many of the other selections.

Robinson, Morris and Gettis have legitimate sleeper value. Yet by emphasising hard work and toughness, there is no doubt the Redskins passed on some marquee prospects at key positions.

However, it seems churlish to chide the Redskins too much for this, when only time will tell which draftees will make the better pro players. So even though the names are not high-profile, it's hard not to like an awful lot about what Mike Shanahan and Bruce Allen did in this draft.