RIchmond, Va. (WTVR) – Heath Shuler, no. Patrick Ramsey, try again. Jason Campbell, didn’t work out.
Those were the three previous quarterbacks taken in the first round by Washington. None led the Skins to the playoffs and all had losing records as a starter in D.C. but that didn’t deter Mike Shanahan and Bruce Allen to trade four draft picks to move up to pick Robert Griffin III with the second overall pick to become the new face of the franchise.
The Redskins announced plans for Griffin’s introductory news conference to be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at FedEx Field, where the team is hosting a draft-day party for fans.
The Baylor quarterback won the Heisman Trophy last season…the first in school history…throwing for over 4,200 yards and 37 touchdowns and led the Bears to an Alamo Bowl victory.
After getting the hugs and appearing on the stage with Commissioner Roger Goodell at Radio City Music Hall in New York, Griffin made the customary phone call to reporters in Washington. Asked how he felt to be drafted, he broke into song.
“Hail to the Redskins. Hail victory,” he said, singing the first two lines to the team’s fight song.
The Heisman Trophy winner from Baylor is the Redskins’ highest pick since linebacker LaVar Arrington also went at No. 2 in 2000. Arrington made three Pro Bowls in six seasons in Washington.
The Redskins have started 21 quarterbacks over the last 19 seasons. Rex Grossman and John Beck combined to put together a 5-11 record last year, Washington’s fourth consecutive last-place finish in the NFC East.
