DRAFT DAY DECISIONS HURT REDSKINS

                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, January 24, 1993                   TAG: 9301240027
SECTION: SPORTS                    PAGE: C12   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short
DRAFT DAY DECISIONS HURT REDSKINS
Before the draft last spring, I was optimistic that the Redskins could still play championship football while rebuilding, since they enjoyed the unique luxury of owning two No. 1 draft choices and being a veteran, solid Super Bowl winner.
After the draft debacle, I predicted an 8-8 season at best. They lost a golden opportunity to build a foundation for future success.
This is not a personal criticism of Desmond Howard. However, the strength of the Redskins over the past decade has been their offensive line. You may recall an earlier draft that brought Mark May (No. 1 choice), Russ Grimm (No. 2) and Joe Jacoby (free agent) to the team. These three All-Pros were the foundation for 10 years of success. The last choice in the 1992 draft . . . could have resulted in a good, solid offensive lineman.
The more pressing need is for a big, fast defensive back to groom as a replacement for Darrell Green.
When your team needs new talent in so many areas, two good players are more helpful than one Heisman Trophy. The need for a defender to cover Michael Irvin and Alvin Harper of the Cowboys is critical. An offensive lineman to protect Mark Rypien and open holes for the running game is critical.
These are the keys to future success. The opportunity to secure these keys was lost on draft day.
PAUL M. MAHONEY\ ROANOKE

by Bhavesh Jinadra by CNB