Washington Redskins 2012 NFL Draft: Non-QB Prospects

Everybody knows that the Redskins need a quarterback.

Outside of the top three quarterbacks, the pickings get slim with Luck, Barkley, and L. Jones set to go in the top 10.

The Redskins need more than just a QB though.  Other needs include ILB, WR, CB, and OL.

Since there is a chance that the top three QB's will be gone when Washington goes on the clock, here's a preview of other prospects that the Redskins should be looking at with their first pick.

LB Vontaze Burfict, Arizona State

Vontaze Burfict is one of the top two linebackers in this class.

Weighing in at 6'3" 250lbs, Burfict is probably the hardest-hitting player in college football.  Burfict can not only "bring the noise" but he has great speed to use that strength all over the field.

He avoids blockers and punishes ball-carriers with excellence.

Burfict does have some discipline and maturity knocks, but Shanahan could definitely fix those.

Vontaze is a great LB who will start immediately next to the aging London Fletcher and hopefully take over when Fletcher's career is over.

LB Manti Te'o, Notre Dame

Manti Te'o is a special breed.

Te'o is an extremely intelligent and athletic 6'2" 255lbs LB who would be an asset in any NFL system.

He commands defenses like a MLB should and will be a difference maker in the NFL.  He makes plays from sideline to sideline and holds his own in the passing game.

Combined with his explosiveness and extreme athleticism, Te'o is regarded as the other half of the top-tier LB draft class.

WR Alshon Jeffery, South Carolina

Alshon Jeffery is a freak of nature.

He has NFL size at 6'4" 233lbs and uses his body like he's 6'9".  His leaping ability and mammoth hands allow him to pull down receptions against any size DB.

Jeffery doesn't have blinding speed, but neither did Larry Fitzgerald and Jeffery has nearly a two-inch height advantage on Larry Fitz.

Jeffery will compete instantly for a team's WR1 spot, but will be deadly as a WR2. In Washington, Jeffery would be great opposite Santana Moss because he creates mismatches in the secondary.

If the Redskins don't get a QB, getting this incredible playmaker will help Beck in 2012.

WR Justin Blackmon, Oklahoma State

Unlike Jeffery, Justin Blackmon isn't a big receiver—but he plays like it. Even though he has only played one true season as a WR1, his stock is rising with each TD catch this year.

Blackmon is a slight step quicker than Jeffery, but he mainly uses his strength to gain separation from defensive backs.  He has a lot of the same skills that Jeffery has, but he will see his best years in the slot as an NFL receiver.

He does have some intangible question marks, including a 2010 DUI.

I don't think Blackmon will be a top 10 pick, but if the Redskins trade their first round pick to move down in the round, Blackmon might still be available.

CB Dre' Kirkpatrick, Alabama

Dre' Kirkpatrick is the prototypical cover corner.

His size and ball skills allow him to stick with most receivers and create interceptions.  He is the biggest corner in the class at 6'2" and he uses his length to his advantage.

He does have some flaws at CB.  Being that Kirkpatrick is a very aggressive DB, he often leaves the sideline and deep routes open.  Even though he has a very impressive build and highlight reel, he has been burned several times in his career at inopportune times.

Personally, I don't think Kirkpatrick is a top 15 pick.  I think he is overrated due to a very strong team defense who often defends the pass well because the Crimson Tide are blowing out other teams.

The Redskins won't look here inside the top 10.

CB Morris Claiborne, LSU

"Mo" Claiborne is my No. 1 2012 CB.

He is a physical yet wiry CB who has more potential to grow into a lock-down corner.

Claiborne's frame makes for a good NFL corner. At 6'0" 185lbs, Claiborne will gain more strength in the NFL.  He is a former receiver so his ball skills and hands are as you would assume, very good.

Claiborne was able to learn from standout Patrick Peterson in 2010 and saw a lot of action as opposing teams stayed away from Peterson.

He will also force turnovers and is a special kick returner.

Claiborne is a playmaker and will continue to improve his game, especially if he can be mentored by a successful corner like DeAngelo Hall.

QB Robert Griffin III, Baylor

I know—I said this was all about non-QB prospects, but this kid deserves it.

RG3 is continuously climbing the charts as the unforgotten QB in the 2012 NFL Draft class and with the recent success of Carolina's Cam Newton, he should be getting some attention.

I know he's not a typical Mike Shanahan QB and he has some learning to do.  I know he plays in a spread offense and that he doesn't have to worry too much about a running game.  I also know that he plays at Baylor and people question his decision making.

That being said—Griffin III has some impressive stats.

QB Rating of 188.1

TD/INT ratio of 26/4 

Completion rating of 74 percent.

Griffin has a big-time arm and speed that blows defenses away.  Baylor is allowing Griffin to develop as a QB and it is proving beneficial for Baylor as well as Griffin.

Hopefully, the Redskins will give this kid a look. Its probably a 25-1 type shot, but Griffin deserves this and it would turn the bland Redskins offense into a possible high-tempo rocket show.