The Washington Redskins needed a new franchise quarterback and they paid a king’s ransom to get him.
RGIII as he is commonly known, will step right in as the starter and by all accounts should have a better rookie campaign than number one overall pick Andrew Luck.
RGIII while he may not put up the unbelievable numbers like Cam Newton is actually faster than Cam and has better pocket skills coming out of college.
The Redskins made sure to make moves this off-season to surround the new face of the franchise with some competent receivers which will help accelerate his development curve.
Fantasy Analysis:
Robert Griffin III – RGIII looks to have the makings of a solid QB2 with legit QB1 upside in year one. He may be going off boards too early due to the unprecedented success of Cam Newton but we have to remember they are different players. Netwon while slower than RGIII is built like a tight end and this helped him set a new NFL record for rushing TD’s in a season. RGIII in all likelihood will not throw for 4,000 plus passing yards but is actually a more efficient and effective pure QB than Newton, but than again he does not have a Steve Smith or Ron Rivera. In dynasty league settings we would not fault you for opting for RGIII over Luck or Richardson as there is a very good chance he becomes the top fantasy player from this class.
Pierre Garcon – Garcon will head up what may be the most underrated receiving corps in the NFL. A legitimate vertical threat Garcon will benefit from RGIII’s cannon of an arm and excellent passing touch on all throws. Garcon looks like a WR3 with WR2 upside for the 2012 season.
Leonard Hankerson – It is Hankerson and not Morgan who is slated to start opposite Garcon and RGIII owners have to be ecstatic as all three will be worked into the mix in this scenario. The owner of a better yards per catch than Julio Jones coming out of college Hankerson is a legit deep threat. Hankerson highlighted his NFL potential with an eight reception, 106 yard game in week 10 of his rookie campaign. Hankerson looks like a flex2 with WR3 upside.
Josh Morgan – The man formerly dubbed ‘Anquan Colston’, fantasy football players are well aware of Morgan’s potentially elite skill set he just always needed a legitimate opportunity. Say hello to RGIII. Morgan will move around the field but can ultimately surpass his career highs in every category with an efficient and effective QB like RGIII at the helm. Morgan projects as a bye week filler/injury replacement with WR3/4 upside.
Roy Helu – Helu will benefit greatly from the additions to the receiving corps and will be able to find more open lanes. Helu is an enigma mostly because Shannahan is a mad scientist when it comes to running backs. He has a RB2 ceiling with a flex2 floor but should be drafted at a low end RB2 to high end RB3 value.
Fred Davis – Davis and RGIII should form an instant connection with Davis possessing the type of receiving skills that will quickly ingratiate him to his new quarterback. Davis has TE1 upside this season and could potentially finish as a top five tight end. Do not draft him too early but Davis should be a great ADP value for the 2012 fantasy football season.
