In honor of today’s 2015 NFL Draft, it seemed fitting to make this week’s Throwback Thursday pay homage to a different Redskins Draft. It’s hard to believe it was 15 years ago that this photo was taken.
2000 NFL Draft
In the 2000 NFL Draft, the Washington Redskins held the No. 2 and No. 3 overall picks and used them to select two immediate impact players.
#2
After the Cleveland Browns took Penn State defensive end Courtney Brown first overall, Washington chose LaVar Arrington, the explosive Penn State linebacker, at No. 2. Arrington, widely regarded as one of the draft’s most athletic and instinctive defenders, was expected to anchor the Redskins’ defense for years.
#3
With the very next selection, the Redskins took Alabama offensive tackle Chris Samuels at No. 3. Samuels, the 1999 Outland Trophy winner as the nation’s top interior lineman, was projected as a long-term left tackle who could protect the quarterback and open running lanes. The team had acquired the third pick by trading up with the San Francisco 49ers, prioritizing Samuels to fill a glaring need on the offensive line.
The back-to-back selections of Arrington and Samuels gave Washington two high-upside starters in one draft, reflecting owner Dan Snyder’s aggressive push to build a contender after the team’s 1999 NFC East title. Both players went on to productive careers in Washington, with Samuels becoming a six-time Pro Bowler and Arrington a three-time Pro Bowl selection.
The thrill of drafting at the two slot and the three slot at that 2000 Draft was amazing. Even for a fan. The Redskins War Room has likely never seen more action and joy.
2015
The day is upon us. No more sleeps til the 2015 NFL Draft…
… it’s nearly time.
Hail to the Redskins.