Washington Redskins: Manning vs. Griffin

I have been very vocal for a long time when it comes to this year’s draft, and what I think the Redskins should do with the 6th pick. It is simple: they need to trade up and draft RG3. Now, allowing that I’m no ‘expert’ or ‘industry know-it-all’, it stands to reason that my opinions aren’t immediately distributed web-wide and taken as fact. The conversation doesn’t end when Bradley makes his opinions known, which is OK … until, that is, I keep reading rumors and innuendos that the Skins should try and get Payton Manning.

Whatchewtalkingbout, Willis?

Sure, the caveats abound – if he is healthy, IF the Colts release him, if and if and more ifs. But even IF all the stars aligned perfectly and Manning was in top form, why should the Skins bring in yet another older, high-priced FA for potential short-term gains? The easy answer is: they shouldn’t.

I’ve thought about all sorts of ways to illustrate my points. Perhaps a pro/con listing chart where I could illustrate all the major positives and negatives side-by-side. Or, maybe, a comparison of risk reward ratios, especially considering that high draft picks aren’t getting nearly as much money now that there’s a rookie salary cap. On the other hand, I could do an in-depth analysis the best ROI when it comes to youth and potential vs. maturity and experience.

Nah. That stuff isn’t visceral enough.

And that’s the point, I guess, there are a lot of well-substantiated arguments that could be used to buttress any side of this argument. I must admit, however, that my true opinion on the matter really has nothing to do with facts, figures or well thought out arguments, for that matter. No, the Redskins need to draft RG3 for no other reason than the dude can ball and WE NEED THE EXCITEMENT HE CAN BRING FOR MANY YEARS TO COME!

Here’s the thing, and keep in mind that I have always liked Payton Manning: We desperately need ‘that guy’. There is no doubt about it. Everyone knows it. But look, I just don’t want someone else’s guy. I don’t want the guy that comes in for a few years that retires and goes into the Hall of Fame for another team. I want ‘Our Guy’, knowhatImean?

Robert Griffin III can be ours. He’s an exciting, incredible talent that can come into the Washington DC area and energize the fan base with his youth and energy. And both his sense humor and humility are needed assets on this team. He is worth it. We have plenty of draft picks, and there are some solid contributors we can pick up in free agency, some of them linemen.

So to all of those out there speculating about Manning and the Skins, just stop it. Okay? We want our own guy. We DESERVE our own guy.

HTTR!

Full Disclosure – it should be known that I was born in Waco, TX, and have been a Baylor Bear fan for life. So, for me, having RG3 play for my Skins could close a lot of circles and go a long way towards ameliorating the last 20 years of pain. 🙂