There are a number of NFL teams who are simply starving for quarterback help. In a league increasingly driven by passing numbers, with rules designed to keep passers upright and for wide receivers to run free, a number of clubs aren't keeping up.
That's why this draft may be important to several teams. But would these teams be better served trading for the enigma that is Robert Griffin III?
Let's take a look at five teams with a potential decision to make.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans have all but given up on Jake Locker, and have played much of the year with 2014 fifth-round pick Zach Mettenberger under center. Judging from Tennessee's 2-12 record it isn't working.
Mettenberger entered the league coming off an ACL surgery, had some character questions about him after flunking a Combine drug test, and didn't distinguish himself in college despite throwing to rookie NFL standouts Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry.
Verdict: Rookie. The Titans don't need to bring damaged goods into this situation. They must start fresh, and should pick high enough to land one of the top QBs in this draft.
New York Jets
The Jets and their beleaguered quarterback Geno Smith may have played themselves out of the Marcus Mariota sweepstakes by beating Tennessee this week. By winning they plopped themselves into the No. 6 spot in the draft, meaning the best QB available to them would be troubled FSU product Jameis Winston.
He has had numerous, public issues with the limelight in his short time in college. New York may not be the best spot for him. Then again, can Jets fans stomach another QB who struggles to read defenses, is prickly with the media, and is riddled with injuries?
Gruden says it's important to get a lead so griffin doesn't have to do a lot of dropback passing and defense reading.
— Mike Jones (@MikeJonesWaPo) December 16, 2014
Verdict: Rookie. They should avoid Winston at all costs, but a player like Brett Hundley might not be so bad.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
They signed Josh McCown this season, but had to know a 34-year-old career backup wasn't the future. Mike Glennon had his chance after a struggling McCown got hurt but then was benched for McCown once he got healthy.
The Bucs will certainly be on the hunt for a new starter for 2015, but because they have more in place around the QB position than other teams in a hole, they might not choose to spend a Top 5 pick at the QB position.
Verdict: RG3. It's not likely they'll go for Mariota/Winston or trade for Griffin, but if the choice came down to it RG3 is the right move. He has NFL experience, would be behind a better (but not much) offensive line, and the kinds of receivers that can pad QB ratings.
St. Louis Rams
The Rams have a solid team that is missing a quarterback to take them over the hump. This is ironic, since they took the Redskins' top picks for several years in a row in exchange for the opportunity to pick Griffin No. 2 overall.
St. Louis has pulled off several upsets this year based largely on talent they acquired with Washington's picks, famously sending those picks out as captains when the two teams met earlier this season.
St. Louis would have to make a deal for a chance to draft one of the top passers this time around-their respectable 6-8 record won't allow them to be in the Top 10.
Verdict: RG3. Trading up too many assets to get a better choice doesn't make sense. These guys are pretty close to contention, but they're far from a powerhouse. They could keep building through the draft, and maybe lowball for Griffin. Not going to lie-the 'Skins would probably rather deal with another team.
Philadelphia Eagles
This is a potent offense with great weapons at the skill positions. Chip Kelly's offense is proven to be innovative and effective, but even though the offense looks great it has been limited.
Neither Nick Foles nor Mark Sanchez are elite NFL quarterbacks, and both players' lack of mobility removes crucial read-option plays that make the offense more dynamic. Griffin is not a high-caliber quarterback in the traditional drop-back sense, but mobility is an skill he's got in spades.
Verdict: RG3. In fact, if Washington decided to move on from Griffin, this is about as perfect a destination as there is. Matching Griffin with Chip Kelly and LeSean McCoy is a defensive coordinator's nightmare.
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