April 29th, 2012 
Rajan Nanavati 
Posted in 
With the 2012 NFL Draft wrapped up, let’s a quick look at the Redskins haul from the past three days:
Round 1, Pick #2: Robert Griffin III, QB, Baylor
Redskins fans hope they’ve found their franchise quarterback for the next decade-plus. If Griffin can stay healthy, and all the intangibles he’s shown throughout his career stay with him as a professional, the sky is the limit for him.
Round 3, Pick #71: Josh LiRibeus, OG, Southern Methodist
LiRibeus is a gritty, nasty guard that’s a good fit for the zone blocking scheme run by the Shanahan’s. He battled some weight and academic issues in college, but the coaching staff is excited about his ability to play guard or center. He has the size and the potential to play early on.
Round 4, Pick #102: Kirk Cousins, QB, Michigan State
Cousins was taken as a “best player available” situation, and will immediately become a developmental backup QB. His selection led to the immediate release of John Beck, so Cousins will likely hold the clipboard for a year behind Griffin and Rex Grossman, before eventually becoming the primary backup. However, any talk of Cousins even challenging for the Redskins starting QB job is silly; there’s a reason the Redskins gave up as much as they did to go get Griffin.
Round 4, Pick #119: Keenan Robinson, LB, Texas
Robinson is a great athlete and high quality individual, two qualities that stuck out to the Redskins coaching staff while watching Robinson at the Senior Bowl. While Robinson has some ability to rush the quarterback, the Redskins are hoping to move Robinson to inside linebacker in their 3-4 scheme. For now, Robinson will be a solid contributor on Special Teams, perhaps get in on some 3rd down passing situations, and may be able to spell London Fletcher or Perry Riley for a few snaps,
Round 5, Pick #141: Adam Gettis, OG, Iowa
Another gritty guard that fell because of “body” issues, only this time it was because scouts worried Gettis might not be quite big enough (6’2, 293 lbs). But she’s shown solid footwork, high football acumen, and overall consistency throughout his college career, which immediately makes him a fit in the zone blocking system. He could also contribute early due to his familiarity with zone blocking schemes, which is what they used at Iowa.
Round 6, Pick #173: Alfred Morris, RB, Florida Atlantic
Morris is a big back who could come in as the short yardage runner, spelling Roy Helu and Tim Hightower (assuming the latter is resigned). After moving from fullback to running back in college, Morris thrived. He has the athleticism and ability to run between the tackles to where he could contribute in the NFL, but his overall top-end speed is the issue. At the very least, he could be a solid special teams contributor.
Round 6, Pick #193: Tom Compton, OT, South Dakota
An intriguing talent that might have been overlooked because of his small school pedigree, Compton has the physical tools (size & athleticism) to play in the NFL, and his tape shows the instincts and consistency to where he could be a solid contributor if developed properly. He has excellent footwork and understanding of using angles and leverage to drive defenders off the line of scrimmage, key traits needed to play offensive lineman for the Shanahan’s.
Round 7, Pick #213: Richard Crawford, DB, Southern Methodist
Crawford has shown some playmaking ability around the football, but he’s very raw and still learning the game overall. He was first-team all-Conference USA in 2011, and said he felt comfortable with the Redskins defensive scheme & its similarities to what they ran at SMU, after visiting the team a couple of weeks ago.
Round 7, Pick #217: Jordan Bernstine, CB, Iowa
Bernstine was a hybrid safety/corner at Iowa, but will play strong safety at the next level with his propensity to make big hits. He has the speed to contribute, as he ran a 4.43 40-yard dash at his Pro Day. He also has some potential to play in coverage, as he’s not afraid to cover tight ends and wants to get better at.
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