Washington Redskins: Drafting RG3 and Cousins Creates Unnecessary Distraction

It was expected to see the Washington Redskins select Robert Griffin III with the No. 2 overall selection in the 2012 NFL draft.

Jump to exactly 100 picks thereafter, and we see Washington take Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins in the beginning of Round 4. Cousins, who has the potential to develop as a starter by mid-season, is in a tough situation with the Redskins.

Selecting the two quarterbacks created an unnecessary distraction, obviously because only one can play. That said, let's look at some other reasons why Washington shouldn't have taken Cousins.

Competition

Quarterback competition is a good thing if a team has an unproven starter with NFL experience and a rookie quarterback entering the league.

The Redskins initially had this with RG3 and Rex Grossman, although it's basically universal that Griffin was to be the starter. Now, however, Washington adds Kirk Cousins to the equation and it has two rookie quarterbacks with potential.

While at Michigan State, Cousins went 22-5 in his final two seasons, was a three-year starter and played in a pro-style offense. So, his transition to the pro game won't be a difficult, drawn-out one.

Griffin may not have come from a pro-style offense, but his numbers, production and success speak for themselves.

Still, don't expect Cousins to just sit back and be satisfied as the backup. Competition is great, as it will make both players better; however, one has to be the undisputed starter because if not, development issues occur.

Development

The question here is: What if RG3 struggles early on? Well, that's the good news about selecting Cousins, because Washington does have a backup that comes from a pro-style set and is just as experienced at the position.

Unfortunately, this also slows down the development of Griffin. After all, the Redskins gave up a boatload for the No. 2 spot and virtually have their immediate future invested in him.

Now, provided that Cousins were to get an opportunity, he can produce.

One issue here, though, comes in the form of the 2013 season. RG3 is the expected future of the franchise, so gaining experience in 2012 must happen and Washington has to allow him to fight through the slumps.

With Cousins waiting, however, the Redskins will be pressured to give him an opportunity. And if he produces rather impressively, then the team is right back to where it started before the 2013 campaign. Only then it will be a quarterback controversy as opposed to a competition.

Immediate Future

There's no doubt that both RG3 and Cousins have the potential to start and play well in the NFL. Washington just has to decide which one is the real future.

If RG3 struggles and Cousins comes in and impresses, then 2013 will be difficult in naming the starter. If both play well, then the situation only becomes increasingly difficult and the Redskins will have to figure out who is the future.

Griffin is in a tough spot because he could potentially lose his starting role if he underachieves. Fortunately, as the No. 2 selection, the Redskins are more invested in his development. Therefore, if Cousins performs well after an opportunity, it wouldn't be surprising to see him get traded before 2013.

The Redskins haven't had a legit franchise quarterback since Joe Theismann and both of these guys have that ability. Thing is, Washington passed up the chance to build around Griffin even more by selecting Cousins, so the Redskins' best hope is for Kirk to make their decision for them.

There's no reason to keep both for the 2013 season, especially if Cousins draws attention. Trading him away would be an overall winning situation because if Washington sticks with RG3, Cousins then gets his opportunity and the Redskins help themselves for the next draft.

John Rozum on Twitter.