Robert Griffin III’s reaction to Dwayne Haskins going to Washington was perfect
By Josh Hill
Dwayne Haskins is the Washington Redskins new franchise quarterback, and Robert Griffin III had some *thoughts*.
From one potential-franchise quarterback to another, beware of your time in Washington.
Dwayne Haskins became the bright light of hope for the Washington Redskins on Thursday when the team used the No. 15 overall pick on the Ohio State quarterback. There were rumors that Washington would move up to take Haskins but he fell to them in their original slot.
Haskins fills a position Washington desperately needed to fill. With Alex Smith’s career likely over and Case Keenum in town as a stop-gap, the future is Haskins. It’s not, however, the first time Washington has spent a first-round pick on what they hope is a franchise quarterback.
When there were rumors that Washington was going to trade up, memories of Robert Griffin III resurfaced. Daniel Synder traded up in 2012 to draft Griffin III but famously misplayed his hand in developing the young quarterback. Rushing him into action and back from injury, never putting a system in place to fully support him.
RGIII reacted to the pick in what could be construed as passive-aggressive commentary on how his tenure with Washington went:
"You didn’t draft the young man for nothing. You did it because you believe in the young man. You did it because you need a Quarterback. Don’t give up on him prematurely. He is your investment. Give the kid time to prove himself. Congrats young gun!!! Enjoy every second of it!"
This is less of a shot at Washington and more of words of encouragement for Haskins. It’s always a wild card when Snyder is involved and historically things never end well. But Jay Gruden finally has a guy he might be able to develop into the franchise star Washington has desperately needed and the guy we all thought RGIII was going to be.