Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III is entering a make or break year. Yes, Skins general manager Scot McCloughan exercised the fifth-year option on his contract for 2016. But that was a sign of good faith, not a long-term endorsement. If RGIII fails this season then the Redskins will be looking for a new quarterback next year.
According to ESPN and Football Outsiders, that is exactly what's going to happen. Football Outsiders projected the records for each team this season and had the Redskins finishing an NFL worst 5-11, "winning" the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft in the process. With that pick, ESPN Insider Todd McShay projects Washington to select Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg.
"We don't yet know what the future holds for Robert Griffin III, but if the projected records here from Football Outsiders come true, it's safe to assume Washington might be looking for a new franchise quarterback. Hackenberg struggled in 2014 with 1 12-touchdown, 15-interception season, but he's a big-time talent with a pro-style skill set."
Doing a mock draft a full year in advance is a pointless effort. Teams will surprise you by finishing higher or lower than expected and the top college players will experience some turnover throughout the season. But understanding who enters this year as the top prospects and which teams have (potentially) major needs has value. It gives you a very rough outline for the next 12 months of football.
Will RGIII struggle so much that McCloughan decides to move on completely? It's possible. But it also seems pretty clear that McCloughan is trying to surround Griffin with another talent to at least give him a fighting chance. Why else would he reach on an offensive lineman with the fifth overall pick and then select two more in the draft? The Skins hope that with better protection and more development, RGIII can return to his scintillating rookie form.
If not, well, Hackenberg is always waiting.
