Price to select Griffin rising fast
INDIANAPOLIS — The buzz for Robert Griffin III at the NFL scouting combine was off the charts during the weekend as the former Baylor quarterback wowed teams and the news media with his electric personality and sizzled by clocking 4.41 seconds in the 40-yard dash.
The price to get the Heisman Trophy winner might also jump off the chart.
With the Indianapolis Colts likely taking Stanford quarterback Andrew Luck with the No. 1 overall pick when the three-day draft begins April 26, competition for the right to select “RG3” is heating up as the St. Louis Rams shop the No. 2 pick.
Never mind that Griffin and Luck didn’t throw during quarterback drills.
“What happens with Griffin sets the tone for a lot of things in the draft,” said analyst Pat Kirwan, a former team executive. “There are just enough candidates looking at that No. 2 spot. They all know it’s for sale.”
The Rams are committed to quarterback Sam Brad- ford, drafted No. 1 overall in 2010, meaning conditions are ripe for the Cleveland Browns (fourth overall) and Washington Redskins (sixth) to make a play for Griffin, whose 40 time Sunday was the third fastest by a quarterback since 2000, according to the NFL Network.
The Seattle Seahawks and Miami Dolphins might also be in the mix, pending free agency moves. And surprises always lurk. “You never know what’s going to happen,” said Kansas City Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel, whose team is posi- tioned in the 11th slot.
Former Redskins general manager Vinny Cerrato envisions a steep price. Based on the draft trade value chart used by teams, he says Washington might have to deal first-, second- and third-round picks this year plus a first-round pick in 2013 for St. Louis’ No. 1.
“It’s a lot,” Cerrato said. “Sometimes the chart doesn’t matter, but whenever a quarterback is involved that value is off the charts.”