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Re-grading the Washington Redskins 2012 NFL Draft

By Ken Johannesen

BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 29: Quarterback Robert Griffin III #10 of the Washington Redskins looks on during warm ups prior to the start of a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 29, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Matt Hazlett/ Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - AUGUST 29: Quarterback Robert Griffin III #10 of the Washington Redskins looks on during warm ups prior to the start of a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on August 29, 2015 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Matt Hazlett/ Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 24: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins listens to the National Anthem before a game against the Denver Broncos at FedExField on December 24, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – DECEMBER 24: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Washington Redskins listens to the National Anthem before a game against the Denver Broncos at FedExField on December 24, 2017 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /

Round 4

The Redskins tossed a very unexpected curveball into the draft with the addition of Michigan State quarterback Kirk Cousins in the fourth. The selection actually paid dividends in 2012, as he led the Redskins to a rout of the Cleveland Browns after Griffin was out one week due to a concussion.  He also led the team to an overtime win against the Ravens after Griffin suffered another injury late in that contest.

Cousins would become the full-time starter in 2015 and he would go on to have several very good seasons. The former Spartan did have a few issues against quality competition and in the playoffs, but the team finally had a solid option at quarterback. Instead of signing Cousins to a long-term contract, the Redskins bungled the process, and he signed with the Vikings during the 2018 offseason.

Linebacker Keenan Robinson of the Texas Longhorns was the next choice and he played sparingly in his rookie season before missing the last five games with an injury.  Even with the injury, he spent his rookie season learning from London Fletcher and the future was looking bright.

Robinson missed all of 2013 with another injury. He came back to post good numbers in 2014, but fell off a bit in 2015. He was signed by the Giants in 2016 and was out of football after the 2017 season.

Injuries can be so unjust to a player, but we are judging these picks according to their contributions. For a fourth-rounder, Robinson’s career as Redskin was disappointing and a fan base can only imagine what Robinson could’ve accomplished minus the injuries.

Grade: B-

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