Originally Published Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2015 – Updated August 4, 2025 – Let’s talk about first-round picks in the NFL Draft.
The Browns got rid of one of theirs yesterday when they terminated the contract of overweight, often injured and unproductive defensive tackle Phil Taylor, who was selected way back in 2011, long before the current regime arrived.
As such, head coach Mike Pettine and General Manager Ray Farmer, with nothing of theirs invested in Taylor, had no problem sending him packing as they begin to finalize the regular-season roster. Without Taylor there, it opens up more room for a guy they did choose in the first round this year, defensive tackle Danny Shelton, and some of his young teammates.
Smart move by the Browns.
Taken in the first round a year later, at No. 2 overall in 2012, was quarterback Robert Griffin III by the Washington Redskins. After a quick start in his rookie season when he led the Redskins to the playoffs, he’s been battered and bruised physically, emotionally and mentally. He’s lost his job to Kirk Cousins, if you can believe that, and as such he is finished in Washington. He needs a fresh start somewhere else, and although they would never say it, the Redskins would be willing to pack his bags for him and drive him to the airport to help facilitate that.
But one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, and just as Taylor will have any number of teams interested in him, Griffin III would be swamped with offers if the Redskins ever release him, which will happen if they can’t trade him.
Would the Browns be interested in him? They should be. Then Browns President Mike Holmgren and General Manager Tom Heckert didn’t go all in with what they were willing to offer St. Louis to go up and get RG III. The Redskins were willing to really sweeten the pot with draft picks, so the Rams worked out a deal with them.
With Griffin III’s demise in Washington, some misguided Browns fans have heaved a sigh of relief that Cleveland didn’t make the trade. Griffin III is still a very talented player whose career was mishandled badly in Washington. Instead of RG III, the Browns drafted Brandon Weeden in the first round in 2012, and we all know how that worked out.
RG III needs a new team. The Browns need a dynamic young quarterback.
Would RG come to Cleveland? And would Cleveland be interested in him?
It’s certainly something to think about, especially if Johnny Manziel falters, which is entirely possible.
Here are Robert Griffin III (RGIII)’s Top 3 Career Highlights — moments that defined his electric style and unforgettable impact:
🎯 1. NFL Debut vs. New Orleans Saints (Week 1, 2012)
Stat line: 320 yards, 2 TDs, 0 INTs — NFC Offensive Player of the Week
RGIII’s rookie debut was legendary. On the road in the Superdome, he went toe-to-toe with Drew Brees and outdueled him, including a perfect 88-yard touchdown pass to Pierre Garçon off play-action. It was the arrival of a new NFL star — and he looked unstoppable.
📹 Highlight moment: The quick-release bomb to Garçon, followed by his calm, kneeling pose on the turf — instantly iconic.
🧠 2. The 76-Yard Read-Option TD vs. Minnesota Vikings (Week 6, 2012)
Late in the 4th quarter with a slim lead, RGIII iced the game by pulling the ball on a zone-read and outrunning the entire defense for a 76-yard score. His speed and vision made it one of the greatest quarterback runs of the decade.
📹 Highlight moment: He hits another gear at midfield, burning defensive backs with ease.
🏆 3. Leading Washington to the NFC East Title (Week 17, 2012 vs. Cowboys)
In a high-stakes win-or-go-home showdown on Sunday Night Football, a banged-up RGIII still led his team to a 28-18 win over Dallas to clinch the NFC East. He didn’t need to be flashy — just clutch — and Alfred Morris ran wild behind Griffin’s presence in the option game.
📹 Highlight moment: Gutting out runs and managing the offense under playoff pressure as a rookie.
READ NEXT: Best Cleveland Browns Hats for 2025
