I just went through the history of the 21st pick in the NFL draft, the one the Redskins own in tomorrow's draft. This will be the 42nd draft since the AFL and NFL began choosing players together three years before their 1970 merger, meaning it's also the 42nd draft in which the 21st pick has been a first-rounder.

No. 21 has produced a Hall of Famer (Lynn Swann) and another all-but-sure enshrinee (Randy Moss).

There are also some Redskins connections even though this will be Washington's first No. 21 first-rounder. Cornerbacks coach Jerry Gray was the 21st pick in 1985 and went on to four Pro Bowls. Guard Pete Kendall was the 21st choice in 1996, a year before former defensive end Renaldo Wynn and a decade before former receiver Tim McGee.

The 21st selection in 1980 was Don McNeal, whose tackle John Riggins broke on the long touchdown run that claimed the Redskins' first Super Bowl triumph in January 1983. The year before McNeal, Jerry Robinson went 21st. He's the linebacker whom Redskins tackle Jim Lachey knocked cold with a blindside block in 1989.

And the second No. 21 of the combined draft was defensive end Marvin Upshaw, younger brother of Hall of Fame guard/NFL Players Association boss Gene Upshaw.

Marvin Upshaw isn't the only forgettable No. 21. Anyone remember cornerbacks John Charles and Ted Watts, tackle Bob McKay or receiver Barry Smith?

The Redskins have to hope they're as smart as the Patriots, who had No. 21 in three of the past six drafts and took tight end Daniel Graham, a starter on their 2004 Super Bowl champions; standout defensive tackle Vince Wilfork; and ace running back Laurence Maroney. Of course, those selections help explain why they're the Patriots, the NFL's top team of the millenium.