Cleveland Browns: Would Robert Griffin III Signing Impact #2 Pick?

Shawn:  Wow, I’m really in the minority here. Do we really think Griffin is going to go from practice team safety to a reliable starting QB? He hasn’t made it through an entire season since entering the NFL and will be very inexpensive. I’m not totally on board with the Browns taking a QB at 2, but I don’t think signing Griffin will change Cleveland’s thinking.

Rodney:  In that same logic he went from NFL rookie of the year to practice team safety. It’s not like this is some guy off the street or a career backup. Injuries should be less of a concern after essentially taking a year and a half off from being hit. Why create problems if he does well by drafting a QB high? Now you’ve wasted a pick instead of getting better.

Shawn:  If the Browns finally find a successful QB, I don’t think the fanbase will be upset about wasting a draft pick. If RGIII goes to Cleveland, it’s not going to be a long-term or expensive deal. It’s going to be very incentive laden. He may be a big name, but his contract and expectations will not be. As far as the injuries go, he’s still very high risk. Not only because of his style of play, but because of the offensive line he would have in front of him. Mack is gone and Thomas may not be far behind.

Rodney:  You’re talking about an organization that really can’t afford to waste a draft pick. If RGIII ends up being the guy and Carson Wentz is on the bench then we’ve missed an opportunity to grab a long time starter in Myles Jack, Ramsey or Buckner. They’d be best with grabbing BPA and drafting a QB later on. Don’t miss an opportunity for a defensive franchise player just to back up an off season decision.

Shawn:   I agree that they should go BPA, but the question was does signing RGIII take away the possibility of drafting a QB at #2. I don’t think it does. Signing a top QB to a long-term deal obviously would, but RGIII is far from a reliable starter. If a QB is one of the top two players on their draft board, they have to pick them.

Suffice to say this is a subject that is sure to engross Cleveland Browns fans for weeks to come, provided their team follows through on the rumors and signs Robert Griffin III.  Will they take a quarterback despite the move or are they trying to find an avenue where they don’t have to?

Time will tell.