The Washington Redskins reportedly could be interested in drafting Marcus Mariota if he lasts to number five in the draft and if that happens, the RG3 trade talk likely will heat up again and this comes as Jay Gruden and Scot McCloughan are looking at players like Justin Forsett, Brian Orakpo, Terrance Knighton, Brian Orakpo and Perrish Cox as potential free agent options.
The Redskins already have brought in Stephen Paea and since they lost Roy Helu to the Raiders, many see the team targeting running backs. But a report from John Clayton of ESPN dominated the Redskins news on Wednesday, as he said that the team could take Mariota at number five is he is available. Mariota has had interest from a number of teams and after reports that Chip Kelly said that Eagles would not be trading up for Mariota, the Redskins could wait it out and see if he lasts to five.
Rich Tandler of CSN Washington looked at the speculation and while Pro Football Talk called the news a likely "smokescreen", it also adds that Mariota could be a good fit for Gruden's offense. McCloughan is coming in with the power over personnel and after some of the major mistakes the team has made in recent years, he likely will be looking for some low risk options. Mariota is an intriguing player, as he is big and is very athletic, but some have wondered if he will translate into the NFL after playing at Oregon.
Tandler wrote out the possibilities of the move and what it means, writing that the team could move on from Griffin, be using it to put pressure on Griffin, or they may want to use Mariota as a backup to see whether or not Griffin can turn things around. The Redskins also could be considering trading the pick and with the Browns, Eagles and Jets all reportedly interested in Mariota, someone could trade up with the team to get him.
This comes as the team is working on free agency and they have already brought in Paea on a deal and could look at adding more to the line. Dan Williams was a target, but he is going to the Raiders, while Justin Forsett, Reggie Bush and CJ Spiller could be targets after Roy Helu left, also for the Raiders. Cox is coming in for a visit, while Terrance Knighton is visiting the team as well. Knighton is reportedly not signing back with the Broncos, making him in play for the Redskins.
While the Mariota talk is likely all speculation, it wouldn't be that wild based on all that has gone on in Washington in the past 12 months. The team had another terrible season and with all the sniping between Gruden and Griffin, many thought a trade could be possible this offseason. While the team has put support behind Griffin, he has a fifth year option and has not been extended yet and they could look at this year as a trial run to see if he stays for the future. Gruden reportedly was not happy with Griffin last season and that could play into things as well.
