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Washington Redskins: Best pick from each of last 10 NFL Draft classes

By Hunter Noll

LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 30: Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder before the game between the Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles at FedExField on December 30, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - DECEMBER 30: Washington Redskins owner Daniel Snyder before the game between the Washington Redskins and Philadelphia Eagles at FedExField on December 30, 2018 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /
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Washington Redskins Brian Orakpo
NEW YORK – APRIL 25: Washington Redskins #13 draft pick Brian Orakpo poses for photographers at Radio City Music Hall for the 2009 NFL Draft on April 25, 2009 in New York City (Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images) /

2009: Brian Orakpo – First Round, 13th overall pick

The first year on the list goes to someone who was supposed to be a stud. Although injuries were a problem for Brian Orakpo during his time with the Washington Redskins, it’s hard to say he wasn’t a monster.

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The Redskins drafted him with their first round pick in 2009. He racked up 11 sacks in year one, and followed it up with 17.5 combined over his next two seasons. After playing in 47 games over three years, though, he appeared in just two in 2012 (one sack).

Orakpo had a resurgence with 10 sacks (and career-highs with 60 tackles and one interception) in 15 games in 2013. However, he recorded just 0.5 sacks in seven games in 2014, his final year with the Redskins. After four years with the Tennessee Titans, Orakpo announced his retirement at the end of the 2018 season. He finished his career with 66 sacks (39.5 coming with the Redskins).

Although that’s nothing insane, it was a solid career. For the most part he was an absolute menace in Washington and gave them a legitimate pass-rusher. Once he was paired with Ryan Kerrigan (who we’ll get to soon), the Redskins one of the most dangerous pass-rushing duos in the NFL. Sadly, that didn’t last too long as injuries shorten Orakpo’s time in Washington.

In the end, for a first-round pick with the hype he had, you might be able to consider Orakpo as underwhelming. He had multiple fantastic years in Washington however, and was the clear standout of that draft.

To be honest, this draft was saved by Orakpo. If it wasn’t for him this would be looked at as an absolutely miserable year.

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