1 - Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor (6-2, 223); 3 - Josh LeRibeus, OG, Southern Methodist (6-3, 312); 4 - Kirk Cousins, QB, Michigan State (6-3, 214); 4 - Keenan Robinson, ILB, Texas (6-3, 242); 5 - Adam Gettis, OG, Iowa (6-2, 293); 6 - Alfred Morris, RB, Florida Atlantic (5-10, 219); 6 - Tom Compton, OT, South Dakota (6-5, 314); 7 - Richard Crawford, CB, Southern Methodist (5-10, 189); 7 - Jordan Bernstine, DB, Iowa (5-10, 211)
Top Picks Analysis: After neglecting to bring in a quarterback for three straight drafts and paying the price for it with three consecutive seasons of double-digit losses, the Redskins added two before the fourth round reached its halfway point. The choice of 2011 Heisman Trophy recipient Griffin, a superb playmaker and charismatic leader with a rare combination of track-star speed and elite arm strength, at the No. 2 overall slot was entirely anticipated, but taking Cousins early in the third day qualified as quite a shock. It's still a sound decision, though, as the former Spartan is an accurate short-area passer who played in a pro-style offense in college and was expected to be drafted considerably higher. In between came the selection of LeRibeus, a high-effort player with very good strength who may also be able to handle center.
Best Value Pick: Cousins had a second-round grade on some teams' boards and should develop into at least a capable backup, so getting him in the fourth was a reasonable investment. Compton has excellent size and is pretty light on his feet, making him a worthwhile late-round flyer as a developmental right tackle.
Questionable Calls: Cousins may have been the best available player at Washington's No. 102 overall pick, but taking a quarterback it doesn't intend to start that high could be viewed as a luxury for a still-rebuilding team. LeRibeus may have been a slight reach in the early third round, as he isn't a premium athlete and sat out all of 2010 due to academics.
Summary: Though the Redskins have caught some heat for the Cousins pick and there isn't a sure starter out of the ranks other than Griffin, Mike Shanahan and GM Bruce Allen still got their franchise quarterback while accomplishing secondary goals of adding depth at the offensive line and linebacker. Griffin alone gives this class an above-average grade.
FINAL GRADE: B
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