The clock is ticking for the Washington Redskins to determine their level of commitment to Robert Griffin III. The franchise can either pick up his very expensive fifth-year option, sign him to an extension or let him play this final year as an audition for the future. According to CSN Washington, the Redskins are opting to do the later which has many assuming they are entering the race for Marcus Mariota. However, that might not be the case as a few other first-round players have their attention.
According to Pete Schrager of FOX Sports, the Redskins have already taken a visit with Amari Cooper and could be prepared to select a wide receiver in the first round over a quarterback. The Redskins make their first selection at No.5. That could put them in a position to get Mariota if he were to fall past the Tennessee Titans. However, it also puts them in position to get Cooper should he be available as well. The issue could be is the Oakland Raiders who draft ahead of them. The team opted not to grab a star wide receiver in free agency, looking to the draft for help instead.
Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports reports that outside of potentially drafting a quarterback, wide receiver is a need for the Redskins and Cooper is certainly one of the best. Right now Washington's rotation includes DeSean Jackson, PIerre Garcon and Jordan Reed and Niles Paul at tight end. That is good, but not great. Adding Cooper or even someone like Kevin White could be what makes Griffin successful.
Head coach Jay Gruden told the Washington Post that Griffin would enter the season as the starter over players like Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy who also rejoin the rotation. Gruden stressed that Griffin must improve if he is going to remain in that position and he will not hesitate to make a change should the quarterback struggle. Many believed Mariota could be the guy that sets the Redskins in the right direction, but Washington will not trade up to get him.
If Mariota falls into Washington's lap, ESPN's John Clayton reports the team will take him. However, if Mariota goes a pick or two earlier, a wide receiver is not a bad selection in order to build around the current quarterbacks on the roster. Cooper is viewed as being ready to start Day 1 and would help pick up Washington's inconsistent offense.
