2000 NFL draft day coverage
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Redskins draft a great 1-2 punch, but there are no guarantees
By Ron Pollack, Editor-in-chief
April 15, 2000
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| OK, Redskins fans, here is a statement that you don't want to hear: There
are no guarantees on draft day. Before I go any further, let me say that I love what the
Redskins did in taking LaVar Arrington and Chris Samuels. Were I in Washington's shoes, I
would have done exactly the same thing.
It almost seems unfair that a team as talented as the Redskins should be able to add
this much rookie talent.
That said, let me repeat myself: There are no guarantees on draft day.
As proof, I give you the top of the 1992 draft. The Colts had the first two picks in
the draft and took DT Steve Emtman and LB Quentin Coryatt. At the time I thought this was
an incredibly exciting tandem. I really didn't see how this duo could do anything short of
energizing the Colts defense and be a star 1-2 punch for years to come.
It didn't turn out that way. Emtman and Coryatt never became the superstars expected.
Especially Emtman.
Does this mean Arrington and Samuels will flop? Of course not.
But don't think the Redskins are guaranteed of a couple superstars by drafting this
early. What if Samuels' past knee problems haunt him throughout his pro career? What if
Arrington develops Ki-Jana Carter bad luck with injuries in the pros? What if the money
goes to these youngsters' heads? What if they fall in with the wrong crowd?
There are a ton of what ifs.
Personally, I think the Redskins have made all the right moves. I think Arrington is
going to have a monster rookie season and will terrorize opposing quarterbacks.
I'm just not willing to call this a sure thing. Call it a very, very, very promising
situation for the Redskins present and future.
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