Redskins General Manager Bruce Allen says the logic behind the huge trade to move up four spots in this year’s NFL draft is simple: There are two great players in this draft and neither of them will still be on the board at No. 6, but one of them will be on the board at No. 2.
Obviously, the two players Allen is referring to are Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III, and with the Colts almost certain to draft Luck, the Redskins will get Griffin. Allen says the Redskins are thrilled with that.
“We fell in love with two players in the draft and one of those players will be a great Redskin,” Allen said.
Allen said getting the trade done prior to free agency was important because it allows the Redskins to start putting together their team around the rookie quarterback they’ll add next month.
“When you know what you’re going to get with the first pick in the draft, it gives you great comfort,” he said. “We thought [making the trade now] was important to allow us the proper planning of what we wanted to do in free agency.”
Griffin will cost the Redskins their first-round picks this year, next year and the year after that as well as their second-round pick this year, but Allen said it’s worth it.
“We understand it was a heavy price. When you bought your home, you probably wanted to pay a little less, too. But you like your home once you live in it,” he said.
And the Redskins expect to be happily living with Griffin for a long time to come.