*253 draft picks transformed the NFL in a matter of days. Around the League will examine the aftershocks by asking one post-draft burning question for all 32 teams. *
Is there enough talent around Robert Griffin III?
RG3was the Redskins draft. They didn't pick again until the No. 71, and the next two picks were a backup guard and a backup quarterback. (A perfectly defensible decision.) Help isn't coming for Griffin from this draft. You simply can't count on finding starters so deep in the draft.
Washington did all of their roster building in free agency and during the 2011 draft. How quickly we forget.
Just a year ago, we heard a lot of talk about the new, patient Redskins. They drafted 12 players overall and nine made the Week 1 roster, including three seventh-round selections. The development of this class will go a long way towards determining how Griffin's rookie season is viewed. There are potential second-year defensive stars (Ryan Kerrigan, Jarvis Jenkins) to keep games close and solid offensive role players (Leonard Hankerson, Roy Helu, and Evan Royster).
Griffin's receiver group is a little weird, but it is also deep. Hankerson, Santana Moss, and free agent pickups Pierre Garcon and Josh Morgan make a solid foursome. Tight end Fred Davis may be the group's most explosive player, and Chris Cooley remains on the roster. (At least for now.)Â
The running back position and offensive line are far more questionable. Mike Shanahan always manages to find some protection at tailback from odd places, but he's pushing his luck with Helu, Royster, and sixth-round pick Alfred Morris. Don't be surprised if a veteran is added.
Add it all up, and the Redskins depth chart doesn't look complete just yet. It also doesn't look as barren and desperate as it did a year ago. It's a transitional year. Griffin has some talent to work with, especially at receiver and tight end.
If Griffin inspires his teammates half as much as he inspires the media in Washington, he should do just fine.
