RG3 Potential Backups

If RG3 goes down, the Skins' offensive system comes to a grinding halt. Can Kirk Cousins really run the triple option the way Robert Griffin III does? Of course not. But who could come close?

1. Michael Vick, Eagles. This would actually be a very good fit. Vick obviously was part of a great 1-2 punch with the Falcons, rushing the ball for 1,039 yards in 2006. His accuracy has always been suspect but if he can LBs in to slow the run game through a Kyle Shanahan scheme, then Vick has a better chance of being accurate. Given that the Eagles will go with Nick Foles the rest of the season, I'd estimate that the Skins have a 50-50 shot of signing Vick as RG3's backup.

2. Terrelle Pryor, Raiders. Supposedly just as fast as RG3, Pryor would have to demonstrate that he can accurate like RG3. But he came out in the same draft class as Cam Newton so he's still got two years left on his rookie contract and is undoubtedly looking to compete for a starting role if the Raiders don't hand him the reins this season.

3. Geno Smith, West Virginia. 4.8 40 speed so he's a couple steps slower. He's coming out this year and will probably be the #1 overall pick. Obviously, the Skins won't be in a position to grab him nor do they need him. They need a backup. Smith will likely be the franchise QB for Kansas City.

4. Keith Price, Washington. Probably fits in the same bucket as Geno Smith. Likely to be in the top 2 rounds but may not come out this year.

5. EJ Manuel, Florida State. If he lasts into the 4th round, then the Shanahans may realize it's time to evaluate that year's 4th rounder as a backup vs. Kirk Cousins as a 4th round backup from the prior year. And if so, hopefully, they consider what would be a more seamless transition for the rest of the team. But he'll probably be gone by mid-3rd round based on mock draft projections.

6. Logan Thomas, Virginia Tech. Thomas may fit the bill. Bigger and slower than RG3. Like Price, he's a junior and doesn't plan to come out this year. But if he does, he may be flawed enough to drop into a draftable spot.

6. Tim Tebow, NY Jets. Jets are likely to look in the draft for their long-term answer under center. Tebow has been widely criticized as a gimmick players but not a true quarterback. Once the Shanahans study him on film, they'll likely see the same thing. He can't read defenses and process information the same way a typical NFL QB does. They won't bother considering Tebow.

7. Down the road --- Marcus Mariota, Oregon. He just finished a phenomenal freshman year in Chip Kelly's spread offense and by the time he declares, he'll probably be a top prospect. But  he's someone to watch.