They say missing on a first-round quarterback can set an NFL team back for years. While the impact on a team getting it wrong on a QB in Round-1 isn’t quite as devastating with today’s less financially restrictive rookie contracts, the price the Washington Redskins paid to land Robert Griffin, III is still being felt today. After giving up three first-round picks and a second-rounder to acquire Griffin, Washington has struggled to add talent and depth through the draft.

After a rookie season so successful that had some asking if he was among the best quarterbacks in football just months into it, Griffin has struggled to stay on the field, and he’s struggled to perform when he’s been healthy.

While the numbers went down for a hobbled Griffin in 2013, the wheels fell off in 2014 when Griffin started just seven games, throwing for four touchdowns with six interceptions. Griffin’s performance was bad, but the perception of the third-year quarterback was suddenly even worse, as Griffin struggled to see eye to eye with his new head coach, Jay Gruden.

Suddenly, the head coach who was brought in to get the most out of Griffin and to turn around the Redskins after Mike Shanahan couldn’t find common ground with his quarterback, found himself in the very same position; frustrated with Griffin.

Within three years, the question has changed from whether or not the Redskins gave up too much for their star quarterback who was ready to set the world on fire, to whether or not they mortgaged the future for a coach killer.

Griffin’s performance and the inability to add superstars in the draft because of the price to obtain him has left Washington in a very tough spot. The Redskins have been bad, and it’s been the St. Louis Rams who have benefited in the draft.

After the Redskins finished 10-6 in Griffin’s rookie year, they’ve followed that up with 3-13 and 4-12 seasons, and there isn’t a lot of evidence that we should expect a whole lot more from them when September rolls around.

With guys like DeSean Jackson, Pierre Garcon, Alfred Morris and Jordan Reed, the Redskins have weapons on offense to work with, but the big question mark is what will they get out of Griffin? Make no mistake about it, Griffin will be the starter when the season begins. The Redskins have far too much invested in Griffin to not give him every opportunity to prove he can turn it around and become the franchise quarterback, they drafted him to be.

The question is, can he do it? For some reason Griffin has already lost the confidence of two head coaches. Shanahan has publicly stated his displeasure with Griffin’s maturity and his belief that ownership coddled Griffin in his early days with the team.

Today the story is different with Gruden. It’s clear that the issue with Griffin is Griffin’s issue to correct, and not the coaches around him, and Gruden may actually have an opportunity to be around after Griffin if the young quarterback doesn’t turn it around. Shanahan was never going to get that opportunity.

For RG3, the opportunity is still right in front of him. Because of the team’s investment, they’re going to try to make it work. If everything finally clicks, Griffin could still be the Redskins quarterback for years to come. Otherwise, he’ll likely be hoping that a change of scenery can do him well in 2016.

If the Redksins offense can find some consistency, their defense still leaves a lot to be desired in an NFC East that’s going to feature some very explosive offenses. Washington added a couple of big boys up front in former Chicago Bears defensive end Stephen Paea and former Denver Broncos defensive tackle Terrance, “Pot Roast,” Knighton.

While Paea and Knighton are solid additions in Washington, they lack of a premiere pass rusher, and a shaky secondary could lead to some big days for Eli Manning, Tony Romo and Sam Bradford. Did I really just write something that makes it sound like I believe Bradford can stay healthy? Sorry, wrong article.

The Redskins will hope to get some better returns from former Pro Bowl safety Dashon Goldson, after a couple of tough years in Tampa Bay, but it wasn’t only Goldson’s cap number that caused the Buccaneers to set him free. Goldson is slowing, and is unreliable in coverage.

Washington also added a veteran name at cornerback when they signed former 49ers corner Chris Culliver. Culliver will help out a very thin cornerback position, where 31-year old DeAngelo Hall, coming off of a torn Achilles, may still be one of their best players.

The Redskins have some stars, and some aging stars who have seen their best football, but they just don’t have enough talent to make a playoff push in 2015.

It’s an interesting year for Washington. This is probably the last, best chance for Griffin, and they really don’t really have a cornerstone type player on the roster. Gruden is in his second year as head coach, and when his plan should be starting to come together, there still seems to be a lot more questions than answers.

How do they get Griffin to look like that dynamic playmaker they drafted just a few years ago? How do they get a pass rush? Are they good enough in coverage?

There are bad teams that seem to have an answer to some of their questions. The Oakland Raiders have Derek Carr and Khalil Mack. The Jacksonville Jaguars are excited about Blake Bortles and an emerging group of young receivers. However, the Redskins best players are older players, and are not part of the future when the team is clearly rebuilding.

What exactly is the plan in Washington?

While franchise around the NFL seem to be moving in one direction or another, Washington is a perfect example of a team that seems like they’re stuck in the mud and spinning their tires. Apparently Washington gridlock doesn’t stop with politics.