Colleen Kelleher, wtop.com
WASHINGTON – With draft day here, Redskins fans aren’t the only ones excited by the prospects of Robert Griffin III joining the team.
Redskins General Manager Bruce Allen tells WTOP that RGIII is a “gifted talent.” But while Allen said Griffin is “extremely excited” about coming to D.C., don’t necessarily expect to see the quarterback immediately on the field.
“We’re going to try and bring Robert along at the proper pace,” Allen said.
“We’re going to develop him properly. When he is ready to go out on the field and help us win, he will be out there. He is a gifted talent.”
The Heisman Trophy winner from Baylor University is expected to be a refreshing change of pace for the Redskins. The team hasn’t had a quarterback it could count on since Joe Theismann 27 years ago.
“There will be obviously some growing pains and some professional learnings of systems and coverages that he hasn’t seen in college,” said Allen.
Coach Mike Shanahan also maintains he won’t put Griffin on the field until Griffin “feels comfortable.”
Allen said Griffin’s skills will be incorporated into the Redskins’ offense.
“This is one great competitor,” Allen said.
“He can’t wait to get on the field and compete with anyone at any time.”
Griffin is one of about 300 players being drafted into the NFL and one of seven draft choices for the Redskins.
Allen said the team has been closely looking at the other players who are expected to be drafted in Rounds 3 through 7.
“We’re not a good enough team yet to say that we don’t have some holes that can’t be filled in the draft, and we spent a lot of time making sure we went over every player that we think will go between the fifth and the seventh round,” Allen said.
Last year’s 12 draft choices all made the team.
As for wins and losses next season, Allen won’t make any predictions.
“We look at it one game at a time,” he said.
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