Ranking the Redskins Draft Classes in the Dan Snyder Era

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Dan Snyder purchased the Washington Redskins shortly after the 1999 Draft, and since then has been ridiculed for his lack of draft picks. Sometimes he will get his money's worth, but there have also been some stinkers. What awaits you is the ranking of all the draft classes in the Snyder-Era. Buckle your seat belts, because this ride is bumpy. Also, leave your wallets at the door.

 

(Not included is 2010, as it is too early to grade)

10. 2003

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In 2003, the Redskins had a whopping three draft picks. Not on the first day, but overall.....three. You would think with only three picks, you could try to make the best of it. Or, you could draft Taylor Jacobs, Derrick Dockery, and Gibran Hamdan. A bad wide receiver, a mediocre offensive guard, and a career back-up quarterback land this draft as the worst in the Dan Snyder Era (and maybe NFL History).

9. 2001

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Remember Rod Gardner? No? Ok, didn't think so. He was Snyder's brilliant first round pick at 15 overall. The wide receiver from Clemson never got his career off the ground amassing only 3,165 yards in his 6 year NFL Career.

Fred Smoot was also in this class, and has had some decent years, but not enough to save this stinker of a draft class.

Also included: Sage Rosenfels, Darnerian McCants and Mario Monds.

8. 2002

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In the post Gus Frerotte/Trent Green era, the 'Skins were in search of a franchise quarterback. The solution? Tulane QB Patrick Ramsey. He showed flashes of greatness early in his career, but once he was benched for the immortal Mark Brunell, Ramsey's ego (and neck) were never the same again. The journeyman ended up with the Jets, Broncos, Titans, Lions, Saints, Jaguars, Dolphins, and Vikings since leaving D.C.

Ladell Betts was the best pick of the draft and even posted a 1,000 yard season in place of an injured Clinton Portis, but was never able to recapture that level of play.

Also included: Rashad Bauman, Cliff Russell, Andre Lott, Robert Royal, Reggie Coleman, Jeff Grau, Greg Scott, and Rock Cartwright

7. 2008

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Boy oh boy did Dan Snyder fool us with this draft. The Redskins stockpiled three second round picks, and spent them on skill position players. Wide receivers Devin Thomas and Malcolm Kelly along with tight end Fred Davis.

It seemed as if the Redskins were back for good. The only problem was that the Redskins seventh round pick (Chris Horton) has had more starts than anyone else in this class. Devin Thomas is gone, Malcolm Kelly might as well be gone, and Fred Davis is stuck behind Chris Cooley.

 

Also Included: Chad Rinehart, Justin Tryon, Durant Brooks, Kareem Moore, Colt Brennan, and Rob Jackson

6. 2006

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The Redskins did not have a lot to work with in the 2006 Draft because they had traded away their first round pick, but they did find a couple of role players that plugged in quite well. Rocky McIntosh was the team's first pick in the second round, and later picked up Reed Doughty and Kedric Golston in the sixth round. Not a terrible draft, but no high-level talent. This is why it ranks at sixth.

 

Also Included: Anthony Montgomery, Kili Lefotu, and Kevin Simon

5. 2007

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Looking at this draft class top to bottom, you might think I'm crazy for ranking it this high. There is one starter in the whole class, but he happens to be one of the best players on the Redskins right now. For the sole reason that LaRon Landry was the first round choice in this draft, it moves up to five. Look at some of the other players, yuck.

If LaRon Landry stays around for a few more years and plays even better, I won't be afraid to move this class up even higher.

Also Included: Dallas Sartz, H.B. Blades, Jordan Palmer, and Tyler Ecker

4. 2009

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This class is ranked highly for the same reason that 2007 was ranked high. One very good player. Brian Orakpo has been everything the Redskins have hoped, and a rare home-run pick by Dan Snyder. Kevin Barnes is the only other holdover from this class and got an interception in overtime against the Jaguars this year in his first chance to get solid playing time. Barnes has potential and Orakpo already is one of the better pass-rushers in the league.

 

Also Included: Cody Glenn, Robert Henson, Eddie Williams, and Marko Mitchell

3. 2005

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In 2005, the Redskins traded up to get a franchise Quarterback. Once the Green Bay Packers shocked everyone by taking Aaron Rodgers, the Redskins had to make due with Jason Campbell. He was a serviceable player in his time with Washington, but was replaced by Donovan McNabb and shipped to Oakland.

Carlos Rogers on the other hand is still with the team (for now) and has proven that if he could catch a ball, he would be considered one of the best Corners in the NFL.

Also Included: Manuel White, Robert McCune, Jared Newberry, and Nehemiah Broughton

2. 2004

With just four picks in the 2004 NFL Draft, the Redskins hit home-runs with their first two picks. Sean Taylor was taken in the 1st Round, and Chris Cooley in the 3rd.

Unfortunately, Sean Taylor was killed in his home in 2007 and never got the chance to show everyone that his career could have ended in Canton. His on-field performance in his three-plus seasons though is good enough to rank this class second. Add Chris Cooley, who has been one of the best Tight Ends and most popular Redskin since John Riggins and you've got yourself a winning class.

Also Included: Mark Wilson and Jim Molinaro

1. 2000

In Dan Snyder's first Draft with Washington, he was lucky enough to have the second and third overall picks. He didn't waste them by picking LaVar Arrington and Chris Samuels. LaVar was one of the better linebackers in the league when healthy, and Chris Samuels was one of the best Offiensive Lineman of the last twenty years, notching six Pro Bowls in his ten year career.

Also Included: Lloyd Harrison, Michael Moore, Quincy Sanders, Todd Husak, Delbert Cowsette, and Ethan Howell