The 2012 RGIII Trade: Washington Paid Three First-Round Picks for One Electric Season
Washington moved from No. 6 to No. 2 for Robert Griffin III. The Rams received three first-round picks and a second, giving them the stronger long-term asset return.
Los Angeles Rams Received
- pick 2012 1st round pick (6th overall subsequently traded, Morris Claiborne ), 2012 2nd round pick (39th overall, Jackrabbit Jenkins), 2013 1st round pick (22nd overall subsequently traded, Desmond Trufant ) and 2014 1st round pick (2nd overall, Greg Robinson)
Washington Commanders Received
- pick 2012 1st round pick (2nd overall, Robert Griffin)
Trade Summary
The Robert Griffin III trade remains one of the most famous quarterback gambles of the modern draft era. Washington moved a massive package to select Griffin, who delivered a spectacular rookie season but not long-term stability. The Rams turned the pick into a haul of premium assets, giving St. Louis the stronger long-term result. The deal remains a priority evergreen page because RGIII's rookie season, injury arc, and the Rams' asset haul still draw major trade-history interest.
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Actually Did
Washington moved from No. 6 to No. 2 in the 2012 draft to select Robert Griffin III. The Rams received Washington's 2012 first-round pick, a 2012 second-round pick and first-round selections in 2013 and 2014. It was the kind of quarterback trade that leaves almost no margin for error because the acquiring team is giving up several years of premium draft capital at once.
Why Washington Made the Gamble
The logic was easy to understand. Griffin had just won the Heisman Trophy, brought elite athleticism to the position and gave Washington a chance to solve quarterback in one aggressive move. His rookie season made the trade look brilliant for a moment. Griffin helped Washington win the NFC East, earned major rookie honors and became one of the league's most exciting players.
The problem was durability and duration. Knee injuries changed the trajectory quickly, and Washington never received the decade-long quarterback stability required to justify the price. Griffin's last season with the franchise came in 2015, and he signed with Cleveland in 2016.
What the Rams Received
St. Louis did not turn every incoming pick into a star. That distinction matters. The Rams moved some of the selections again and produced a mixed set of players from the asset chain. But the transaction still gave them four premium opportunities instead of one.
The second-rounder became Janoris Jenkins. The 2014 first-rounder landed at No. 2 overall and became Greg Robinson. Other first-round value was moved through additional draft-day trades. Even with imperfect conversion, the Rams controlled substantially more roster-building value than Washington did after Griffin's early peak faded.
How to Judge the Rookie Season
Washington did receive something real: a division title and one unforgettable season. That keeps the trade from being described as if Griffin never mattered.
Final Verdict
The Rams win. Washington's quarterback ambition was defensible, but three first-round picks plus a second demanded sustained franchise-quarterback production. Griffin delivered a spectacular beginning rather than the long-term answer the price required, leaving the Rams with the stronger total asset outcome.