RG3 Trade Could Cost Redskins a Top Five Selection in 2014

Nov 25, 2013; Landover, MD, USA; Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III (10) lies on the ground after throwing an interception against the San Francisco 49ers in the second quarter at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

While the St. Louis Rams aren’t exactly playing for a Super Bowl or even a division title this year, they made a solid investment in 2012 by moving down a few picks in the first round of the draft and allowing the Washington Redskins to take Robert Griffin III with the 2nd overall pick.

That investment yielded a variety of high draft picks, including the Redskins’ first round pick in 2014, which is looking increasingly likely to be a top five selection.

As I’m writing this, the Redskins are getting pounded on Monday Night Football against the San Francisco 49ers, and barring the unforeseen, they will probably lose this game, putting them at 3-8 on the year.

Just one year ago, the Redskins won seven straight games after starting 3-6 to make the playoffs, where they were one of the most exciting and dangerous teams prior to Robert Griffin III’s major knee injury.

There were a ton of questions about whether or not RG3 came back too soon from his injury, but he’s not missed much time for the Redskins this year. He also hasn’t looked like himself.

Now, there are questions surrounding RG3’s leadership abilities, or his willingness to take the blame for missing plays that were left on the field. The Redskins are some kind of mess, and they won’t even be able to use the top 10 pick they are almost assured of, if not a top five selection.

If they play their cards right (or wrong), they may even end up sending the number one overall pick over the Rams, who are a much better football team than their record indicates, especially after losing Sam Bradford to a season-ending injury.

While the RG3 trade looked pretty smart a year ago at this time, it’s looking right now to be a huge mistake for the Redskins even though it’s unfair to be impatient with RG3 at this point. The Redskins have their QB of the future, but they knew what they were getting into when they mortgaged future pieces to get him.

Now, it could end up costing them in a big way.