The Washington Redskins’ offseason drama was over quicker than a Kardashian marriage.
Free agency added a few contributors. The first-round pick already is decided. There’s nothing left for the Redskins to ponder other than signing a couple secondary free agents and narrowing down who to take in the third round.
That means if Washington is to improve on last season’s 5-11 record, quarterback Robert Griffin III better be worth those three first-round picks and a second-rounder traded to St. Louis for the second overall selection in the April 26 draft. As in, right away.
Free agency brought the Redskins a top receiver in Pierre Garcon, but he’s no 100-catch player. The other signings are fair players, hopefully.
The Redskins’ hopes largely come down to Griffin succeeding quickly and a solid 2011 draft class improving. Forget veterans; the younger players must lead Washington out of this perennial mess.
Cam Newton led Carolina to six wins last season as a rookie, including one over Washington. Griffin needs to do at least as well.
This assumes Griffin starts the season opener. Considering John Beck is the only quarterback currently signed, that seems likely. Even if Rex Grossman or another journeyman is signed, the Redskins need to start Griffin. It’s all about Griffin maturing immediately. The only way he shouldn’t be the starter right away is if his preseason is awful. It happens. Hopefully, not this time.
Griffin’s biggest challenge will be recognizing multiple reads. Heath Shuler failed as the third overall selection in 1994 because he never could decipher defenses. Will Griffin find his third or fourth reads in time or rely too much on his mobility?
Opponents will know after seeing a few game films. It only gets harder, though. Defensive coordinators live to trick rookie passers.
But some of the team’s improvement should come from second-year players. Last year’s first-round pick, Ryan Kerrigan, was a terrific rookie and could make a Pro Bowl soon. Second-rounder Jarvis Jenkins drew preseason raves before suffering a season-ending injury. Coaches expect him to become an impact player.
Running backs Roy Helu (fourth) and Evan Royster (sixth) showed great potential late last season. Receivers Leonard Hankerson (third) and Niles Paul (fifth) are intriguing, while safety Dejon Gomes (fifth) may start. Add in role players guard Mo Hurt (seventh) and nose tackle Chris Neild (seventh), and Washington should get a real bump from its best overall draft class since 1986.
Players often make their biggest strides in their second seasons, and Washington needs the draft class to produce. Otherwise, the offense will continue to stall and the defense will regress.
But ultimately it’s all about Griffin. There’s no more significant help coming. Maybe the Redskins can find a productive offensive lineman or safety in the third or fourth rounds, but they won’t be what helps the Redskins escape two decades of mediocrity.
No pressure on Griffin — just the fate of the season.
Examiner columnist Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more on Twitter @Snide_Remarks or email [email protected].
