Cleveland Browns: Would Robert Griffin III Signing Impact #2 Pick?
By Erik Lambert
One of the most intriguing developments of the 2016 off-season came via the Cleveland Browns and their recent meeting with free agent quarterback Robert Griffin III. Everyone knows the franchise is in the market for a new signal caller, so their interest in the former Pro Bowler and Rookie of the Year shouldn’t be a big surprise.
Now word is swirling that the team may make a move to sign him. This creates an interesting question to ponder over the next month. If the Browns do indeed sign the 25-year old, would that be enough to push them away from the idea of drafting a quarterback with the #2 overall pick?
Such a loaded question needed more than one person to offer insight, so the NFL Mocks crew was assembled for another roundtable. Suffice to say the discussion that followed was eye-opening.
George Stockburger
“If they sign RGIII, they should look at Ramsey or Bosa at 2. Drafting a QB in the 2/3 round would not be a bad idea. A Lynch, Cook, Hackenberg option with those picks would be smart.”
Rodney Stokes
“It should. With Myles Jack, Jalen Ramsey and DeForest Buckner there early they have the opportunity to fix some key holes. Trading back is also a strong possibility to grab more picks in the second and third rounds if another team is willing. If the team feels strongly about RGIII they may not select a QB until day 3.”
Shawn Spencer
“It shouldn’t. RGIII can’t be relied on to be anything more than a placeholder until Wentz or Goff takes over. All indications are they really like Wentz and signing Griffin shouldn’t affect who they draft. If they go with someone other than a QB, it will be because that was the top player on their board, not because of RGIII.”
Eric Robinson
“Signing Griffin absolutely eliminates the idea or possibility of going QB at 2nd. Could you imagine the karma if that scenario played out? After dealing with Cousins getting drafted in the 4th round in the same draft. Signing Griffin would immediately prompt me to go in either two directions. Trade down to target a Treadwell or Doctson to give Griffin a weapon or stay at 2, take Ramsey in a heartbeat, and have a bonafide, elite free safety for the next 8-10 years.”
The fascinating point of the discussion evolved between Rodney and Shawn shortly after as they took up opposite positions on the idea Both had plenty of logical reasons to offer. Have a look at their stances.
Next: Pushing the Debate