West Coast Connection Forum
Lifestyle => Sports & Entertainment => Topic started by: Bay Area Jat on February 27, 2007, 11:12:30 AM
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INDIANAPOLIS -- Random thoughts on quarterback day at the NFL Scouting Combine. Or rather, the day we get to chat up the quarterbacks. Those who will deem to work out here won't start airing it out until Sunday ...
� Whether or not LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell is the real deal remains the biggest question swirling this draft season.
We in the media got our first real look at him Friday -- all 6-5, 265 pounds of him. And while he's not much of a talker, he sure has NFL types lining up to say plenty about him. And so far, I can't find many doubters when it comes to the big-armed passer, who most are projecting to go first overall, to the Oakland Raiders.
"He's got the most spectacular physical skill set of any college quarterback I've ever seen,'' said NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock, who, for my money, is the most credible of all draft experts. "He can make every throw. He's got better touch and accuracy than I expected for a guy his size, who has a minimal number of snaps. From a physical perspective, he's scary good.''
Mayock does have some reservations about Russell, but they deal more with how instant riches might affect the LSU junior's desire to improve and succeed, and what kind of coaching he'll receive once he gets to the NFL.
"If a team is going to hand him $20 million to $25 million, it has to know, 'How much this kid loves the game?''' Mayock said. "And wherever he ends up, the situation will dictate whether he becomes a perennial all-pro or just a guy. Because I think he has to be involved with a quarterback coach or a coordinator who sits on him every snap of practice. If he doesn't get that, there could be a tendency for him just to coast or get by on natural ability.''
But what natural ability it is. Russell won't throw or run at the Combine, and has been counseled to wait to work out until his March 14 Pro Day at LSU. You can be sure that NFL personnel men and coaches will begin to pick Russell's game apart in the coming weeks; but right now, his powerful right arm and eye-opening size has elicited more awe than anything else.
"When you consider his size and couple that with some of the things he's done on the field, it becomes pretty impressive,'' new Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt told me Friday. "Byron Leftwich was a big guy coming out a few years back; but this guy's not that same guy. He's a big guy, but with a different body type. He's not just a good pocket guy, like Leftwich.
"You watch him and you see him move well in the pocket, and you see him make some throws on the move, and on a line. You also see him make a throw on the move that involves touch. He can do all of that, and he's hard to bring down in the pocket. It makes for quite a combination.''
It's early, but this is a league that hasn't found much not to like about Russell so far. Unlike the past couple of years, we may actually have no real issue about who goes No. 1 in April. Everyone else's candidacy may end up relegated to the sizable shadow cast by Russell.
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By Peter King
The Raiders have debriefed the new mentor of JaMarcus Russell, leading to
rampant speculation (mine) that the fix is in and that Randy Moss is about
to be a very happy man.
You may have heard that California quarterback consultant Tom Martinez, the
mentor of Tom Brady since Mr. Super Bowl was 13, worked with Russell for a
week at the Athletes Performance Institute in Arizona and came away highly
impressed. You have not heard that the Raiders, prior to the Combine,
summoned Martinez to ask him about Russell. Martinez says he told the
Raiders, "There's nothing you'll ask him to do that he can't do. Nothing.''
Here are some other interesting tidbits Martinez shared with me Sunday
night:
a. He told Oakland offensive coordinator Greg Knapp to remember how good
Russell is, and he's only 21.
b. He told Russell after analyzing LSU tape he too often looked sluggish,
like he was carrying too much weight. And the one thing he stressed with
Russell is consistency with the passing motion. "Like a golf swing -- you
get really good when the swing's exactly the same every time.''
c. "I told the Raiders, 'The worst thing you could do with this kid is give
him four coaches in his first four years,' " said Martinez. "He needs
stability. He needs the right guy coaching him the first two or three years,
where he'll be taught consistency and stay on him about his technique.
That's what every young quarterback needs.''
d. Everyone's talking about how well Russell throws the deep ball, and
they're right. "But he makes such beautiful throws on the curls and the
comebacks," says Martinez, "like an outfielder hitting the cutoff man
perfectly. And his touch is so good. He throws it short with touch, deep
with touch. Every throw looks so natural.''
e. Martinez worked with Russell on throwing the ball more over the top.
"When Tom Brady throws an interception, it's very rarely a tipped ball
because he's releasing the ball high, so it's hard to deflect it." said
Martinez. He said the 6-5 1/2 Russell, releasing the ball high over his
head, would, in effect, make him about 7-3 and make it very hard for
defenders to tip his passes.
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A safe bet: Russell is a draft-day gemGIL LeBRETON
In My Opinion
Two things have been made abundantly clear at this year's NFL Scouting
Combine.
One is that LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell is going to make an intriguing
first-round draft choice for the NFL team that selects him.
And two, I'm about to collect on a bet for a free steak dinner.
For those of you in burnt orange who are still watching replays of the 2006
Rose Bowl, let me explain that Russell is the tackle-sized, big-armed
behemoth who quarterbacked LSU to a 41-14 Sugar Bowl victory over Notre
Dame.
He dropped anchor on the NFL Combine scale last weekend at 6 feet, 5½
inches, and 265 pounds. The assembled media gasped. Draft experts covered
young children's eyes.
No one that big, it seems, has ever been polished enough or mobile enough to
make the transition from college -- or from the National Museum of Natural
History -- to the NFL.
Russell says that he can throw a football 50 yards -- while kneeling.
Standing, he can heave it 80.
And thus, the no-longer-mighty Oakland Raiders are rumored to be keenly
interested in making Russell the first pick in the April 28-29 draft.
I can smell the steak already.
Let me explain. We were riding back to the hotel in New Jersey after last
December's Cowboys-Giants game. The rental car was full (read: witnesses).
A colleague was aghast to hear me say that Russell likely would not return
for his senior season at LSU.
"Why would he come out?" my friend argued. "What's he ever won?"
"Why wouldn't he come out?" I replied. While Russell didn't win any Rose
Bowls, his record as a starter in college was 25-4. His strong performance
in November all but assured that he would be a high first-round draft pick.
And so we bet. My colleague, who shall remain nameless -- for the sake of
this story, though, let's call him "Clarence" -- wagered that (1) Russell
would not be foolish enough to declare for the NFL Draft, and (2) if he did,
he wouldn't be selected in the draft's first three rounds.
"He won't get picked on the first day," my friend insisted.
"First day?!" I argued. "Clarence, he'll get picked in the first 15
minutes!"
Or something like that.
I'll soon be having, therefore, the filet mignon, cooked medium, with a
small salad. Remind me to send JaMarcus a thank-you note.
But I'm no draft genius. Nor is my colleague draft-impaired.
What I realize is that he was simply giving me the stark, national, public
conception of what had been an enigmatic young quarterback. My interest in
Russell and his team was personal, and so I didn't expect my fellow wagerer
to know first-hand about the transformation that JaMarcus had made, the
increasing maturity that he had shown as LSU won its last seven football
games.
Six games into the LSU season, I thought Russell was a tad fat, too. I
wondered why he couldn't get the ball into the end zone at Auburn, and I
blamed his fumble at the goal line for costing the Tigers the game at
Florida.
And I wondered why Matt Mauck once had quarterbacked LSU to a national
championship, and high school All-American JaMarcus Russell hadn't.
But Russell's performance at Tennessee -- and in the month that followed --
silenced all those questions.
In the Tennessee game, the LSU coaches seemed to turn Russell loose. He was
already difficult to bring down in the pocket. Russell is so big, he truly
does shrug away tacklers, allowing him more time to find his pass receivers.
But against the Volunteers, Russell reminded everyone that he knows how to
run.
He threw for 247 yards and three touchdowns that day and rushed seven times
for a net of 71 yards. Defenses never played Russell the same for the rest
of the season.
NFL scouts need not worry about Russell's extra 10 pounds. He'll shed them.
This is a mature 21-year-old who had the sense this winter to hire coach Tom
Martinez, the man who helped mold Tom Brady into a Super Bowl quarterback.
This is a grounded young man who worked with the medical people in the wake
of Hurricane Katrina. Russell opened his own apartment door for 20 relatives
and friends who fled flooded New Orleans. His most famous boarder, you might
recall, was New Orleans blues legend Antoine "Fats" Domino, a relative of
his girlfriend.
There is nothing wrong with either Russell's maturity or his work ethic. LSU
fans can attest to that.
"Somebody's going to get a hell of a player," Martinez told Glenn Reeves of
The Oakland Tribune.
"He moves well. He's very fluid, very strong, very agile with great touch.
He's not fat.... If he had thick legs, he'd weigh 300 pounds.
"I know who I'd take," Martinez said. "A JaMarcus does not come along very
often. There have been a lot of Brady Quinns."
JaMarcus Russell, in other words, is about to lose 10 pounds in winter fat,
but gain it all back in his wallet.
First day? He'll be the first quarterback, if not the NFL Draft's very first
pick.
Pass the steak sauce, please.
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lets see if he can read coverages in the NFL. Cuz in college he couldnt that well. Im telling you, people got a false sense of Russell seeing him against ND
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lets see if he can read coverages in the NFL. Cuz in college he couldnt that well. Im telling you, people got a false sense of Russell seeing him against ND
nothing watching a lil game film can't cure.
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lets see if he can read coverages in the NFL. Cuz in college he couldnt that well. Im telling you, people got a false sense of Russell seeing him against ND
nothing watching a lil game film can't cure.
for sure. But his work ethic has already been questioned, and he came into camp 15 lbs overweight with a little jelly round the belly no homo.
Film can cure things, if he takes advantage of it. Hopefully he doesnt think hell get by on his arm and athleticism alone, like he did in college. Remember most of top drafted Qb's end up not living up to the hype. Im not saying he wont be succesful but i am saying i think hes overrated. And not the best QB in the draft
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^^ your right but i think all that worth ethic crap the media is drumming up imo is cause hes black. from what i've heard hes hella dedicated and willing to work to become great. hes got the best arm the nfl has ever seen the only way the raiders dont draft him is if they trade randy moss and go with johnson and try to pick up a free agent QB but i dont see that happening
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I have never been a fan of Randy Moss...so even when he got signed, I was like "eh....I guess I can like him now" but after seein his performance and attitude, I was really like "nah....somebody else can have him". However.....if Al Davis and the rest of those idiots do decide to actually draft Russell instead of somebody who should be #15 pick like they usually do, I am eager to see Russell and Moss on the field together.
And to the Raiders fans....how do y'all feel about pickin Gallery at #2 in 04? The ONLY reason I wasn't completely mad as fucc and yellin at the TV is because I said hey....maybe we got the next Orlando Pace, Lincoln Kennedy, Steve Wisniewski or somethin....but he still hasn't done much of anything to help us as a lineman, so it makes me even more pissed off when I see Rivers, Roth, Larry Fitz, and everybody else who was drafted after him ballin. Even Deangelo Hall might have been a better pick for us.
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^^ i think every raider fan thought the left side of the o-line was gonna be sewed up for the next 12-15 years. i'm hoping that gallery gets out of his funk and can someday hopefuilly live up to even half his expectations. the scouting reports on that guy were fuckin awesome but than again the draft is like a box of chocolates u dont know what the fuck your going to get
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I have never been a fan of Randy Moss...so even when he got signed, I was like "eh....I guess I can like him now" but after seein his performance and attitude, I was really like "nah....somebody else can have him". However.....if Al Davis and the rest of those idiots do decide to actually draft Russell instead of somebody who should be #15 pick like they usually do, I am eager to see Russell and Moss on the field together.
And to the Raiders fans....how do y'all feel about pickin Gallery at #2 in 04? The ONLY reason I wasn't completely mad as fucc and yellin at the TV is because I said hey....maybe we got the next Orlando Pace, Lincoln Kennedy, Steve Wisniewski or somethin....but he still hasn't done much of anything to help us as a lineman, so it makes me even more pissed off when I see Rivers, Roth, Larry Fitz, and everybody else who was drafted after him ballin. Even Deangelo Hall might have been a better pick for us.
he def would have been better NOW. But at the time, that was the smart pick. If you have a chance to take a LT thats suppose to be special, you DO IT! That can be huge for 10-15 yrs for ur team. A great LT is irreplacable. IT sucks he never panned out, but he is still young and he is getting moved to RT so maybe that will help him. Hes got alot of years left. IF the next few years dont work out after the side change then hell probably never be great or even good.
And Moss is guna be gone..Porter and Curry are more then capable tho.
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^^ your right but i think all that worth ethic crap the media is drumming up imo is cause hes black.
haha yeah right. If its crap whyd he come into the combine 15 lbs overweight with a belly that was very noticeable?
Other top picks were fuckin shredded. Can you explain that? Dude admit it, his work ethic probably isnt what it should be, hes always been able to out athletic people, and shit, so hes probably always been fairly lazy. I dont think his old coaches and scouts and such say it cuz hes black. I didnt hear that shit about Vick or Vince Young when they came out...
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the media is always gonna find the one thing wrong with high drafts picks and run with it. something they can be like see i told u so. they did the same thing with Young's wonderlic score thats all they fuckin talked about before he came out. JaMonster is prolly 10 lbs overweight. i'm sure he will shed the weight and be ready for camp for whatever team drafts him. i just dont see al passing up on this kind of talent even though he's known for not drafting Qb's with high draft picls
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the raiders are a mess, i'm not even sure it's going to make a difference if we get rid of moss to greenbay or not
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^^ it sure as hell would free up a whole lot of money to sign someone else that actually wants to play
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And seein that Joey Porter and Joe Horn got released today....I could see us gettin one of them. Especially Porter...his image fits the old school Raiders defense to a T.
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And seein that Joey Porter and Joe Horn got released today....I could see us gettin one of them. Especially Porter...his image fits the old school Raiders defense to a T.
joey porter would be dope. we also need another safety fuck schwiegert that fools sucks. None of this is going to be financially possible with Moss still on the team
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And seein that Joey Porter and Joe Horn got released today....I could see us gettin one of them. Especially Porter...his image fits the old school Raiders defense to a T.
I got ten bucks that says Porter ends up in CINCINATTI..Any takers? ;D
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And seein that Joey Porter and Joe Horn got released today....I could see us gettin one of them. Especially Porter...his image fits the old school Raiders defense to a T.
I got ten bucks that says Porter ends up in CINCINATTI..Any takers? ;D
damn hommie someone fucked ur karma up. anywayz cinci huh? where u here this from
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And seein that Joey Porter and Joe Horn got released today....I could see us gettin one of them. Especially Porter...his image fits the old school Raiders defense to a T.
I got ten bucks that says Porter ends up in CINCINATTI..Any takers? ;D
damn hommie someone fucked ur karma up. anywayz cinci huh? where u here this from
yeah they did. My shit has gone down 35 in the last 3 days, someones a huge hater. Help me out huh? haha. About Cincy i have my sources ;)
But heres one thing to think about DICK LEBEAU ;)
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And seein that Joey Porter and Joe Horn got released today....I could see us gettin one of them. Especially Porter...his image fits the old school Raiders defense to a T.
I got ten bucks that says Porter ends up in CINCINATTI..Any takers? ;D
damn hommie someone fucked ur karma up. anywayz cinci huh? where u here this from
yeah they did. My shit has gone down 35 in the last 3 days, someones a huge hater. Help me out huh? haha. About Cincy i have my sources ;)
But heres one thing to think about DICK LEBEAU ;)
Remember that one thread about karma I made a couple of days ago? And then Seven was talking shit to you about how you wine about karma along with NIK...
you might have some suspects.
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naw joey porter to dallas, 3-4 defense baby
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And seein that Joey Porter and Joe Horn got released today....I could see us gettin one of them. Especially Porter...his image fits the old school Raiders defense to a T.
I got ten bucks that says Porter ends up in CINCINATTI..Any takers? ;D
damn hommie someone fucked ur karma up. anywayz cinci huh? where u here this from
yeah they did. My shit has gone down 35 in the last 3 days, someones a huge hater. Help me out huh? haha. About Cincy i have my sources ;)
But heres one thing to think about DICK LEBEAU ;)
its nothin i got u +2
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And seein that Joey Porter and Joe Horn got released today....I could see us gettin one of them. Especially Porter...his image fits the old school Raiders defense to a T.
I got ten bucks that says Porter ends up in CINCINATTI..Any takers? ;D
damn hommie someone fucked ur karma up. anywayz cinci huh? where u here this from
yeah they did. My shit has gone down 35 in the last 3 days, someones a huge hater. Help me out huh? haha. About Cincy i have my sources ;)
But heres one thing to think about DICK LEBEAU ;)
Remember that one thread about karma I made a couple of days ago? And then Seven was talking shit to you about how you wine about karma along with NIK...
you might have some suspects.
damn. hes dumb then cuz i never even brought it up. Jat sais something. And Spice started a thread..Fuck tha haters
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^^+1 fuck these bitch ass motherfuckers. ain't none of em seeing us in the fuckin real motherfuckin world. i damn near almost got my golden gloves when i was younger come c me
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^^+1 fuck these bitch ass motherfuckers. ain't none of em seeing us in the fuckin real motherfuckin world. i damn near almost got my golden gloves when i was younger come c me
LOL! +1
Jats that dude
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haha..it be funny if Russel fails...and Quinn..who might b drafted in the late round..has some success
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haha..it be funny if Russel fails...and Quinn..who might b drafted in the late round..has some success
itll probably go that way
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haha..it be funny if Russel fails...and Quinn..who might b drafted in the late round..has some success
itll probably go that way
quinn will go #3 to cleveland hes coming off the board early. As for JaMonster hes got the best arm the NFL has EVER see. he'll be aight
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haha..it be funny if Russel fails...and Quinn..who might b drafted in the late round..has some success
itll probably go that way
quinn will go #3 to cleveland hes coming off the board early. As for JaMonster hes got the best arm the NFL has EVER see. he'll be aight
Ive heard they might take a T so you never know..
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haha..it be funny if Russel fails...and Quinn..who might b drafted in the late round..has some success
itll probably go that way
quinn will go #3 to cleveland hes coming off the board early. As for JaMonster hes got the best arm the NFL has EVER see. he'll be aight
if Joe Thomas goes 2nd the browns will prolly snatch up Quinn
Ive heard they might take a T so you never know..
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haha..it be funny if Russel fails...and Quinn..who might b drafted in the late round..has some success
itll probably go that way
quinn will go #3 to cleveland hes coming off the board early. As for JaMonster hes got the best arm the NFL has EVER see. he'll be aight
if Joe Thomas goes 2nd the browns will prolly snatch up Quinn
Ive heard they might take a T so you never know..
They def should! Anderson\Frye isnt the brightest future
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joe thomas will go 2nd unless the lions draft another WR
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The Raiders returned from the NFL Scouting Combine less convinced that Louisiana State QB JaMarcus Russell is their man for the top pick and with more questions than before after taking a long look at him during the process. Publicly, the Raiders said nothing about Russell or any of the other players who attended the Combine. Privately, several Raider officials questioned Russell's work ethic, said they are concerned about his weight as a long-term issue, and cautioned against making Russell a lead-pipe cinch as the top pick. It now appears just as likely that the Raiders will target Georgia Tech WR Calvin Johnson in light of his posting a 4.31-second 40-yard dash and saying all the right things during an interview
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What quarterback would be available in the 2nd Round or beyond for Oakland to pick if they don't pick Russell first? They must be working on a trade package to get multiple picks.
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The raiders won't draft a QB in the 2nd rd and play him. If we dont get JaMonster these are our options
Brad Johnson - he can play a role and lead a team but his skills are no more than average. He could fill the role for a season.
Drew Bledsoe - once highly coveted, his career might have moved from twilight to sunset. Like Johnson, he too can get the ball distributed.
David Carr - he's available and the price is not too steep. Some believe he's not bad, others think he stinks. Until he gets an opportunity in a system that is decent, who knows?
Matt Schaub - Proven to be effective in Atlanta. The current Raiders staff know of him. If he is traded for, the Raiders might just pass on Russell.
Aaron Rodgers - again, Greg Knapp knows this guy. The rumors of a Moss-to-GB deal mention Rodgers. I dont really think this is a substative rumor but rather more of a ousider posing as an insider making it up. Besides, between Rodgers and Walter, Walter may be the better QB. Plus Rodgers does not give us the veteran experience we are looking for. And finally, the Raiders already have one young QB whose name gets misspelled.
Trent Green - While KC would not trade with us directly, they may have to part with Green to free up cash for other needs. Green is scheduled to make $7.2 mil in 2007. Latest rumors have him headed to Miami.
Luke McCown - Started 4 games for TB in 2004 and had some limited success. Unless a mysterious injury crops up, I expect his name to hit the cutting room floor in Tamper.
Koy Detmer - Not sure why this Jeff Garcia-like QB isnt being sought after by teams looking for a veteran backup. He was re-signed by the Eagles to be the 3rd string QB in the playoffs. But now is without a contract. Eagles have McNabb and AJ Feeley and Jeff Mroz, so Detmer is out. Maybe not wanted anywhere, but out nonetheless.
Joey Harrington or Cleo Lemon - If Miami is indeed interested in Trent Green as insurance against a Duante Culpepper hangnail causing his outtage, then that leaves either Cleo Lemon or Joey Harrington fighting for 3rd string. One of the two is likely a UFA is Trent Green becomes a Dolphin. My guess is Harrington gets cut as a salary saving measure.
Kyle Boller - this former Cal standout is ready to start. He showed his skills well in 2006 coming off the bench to lead the Ravens to victory. I'd be very pleased if we somehow managed to get Boller in a Moss deal with the Ravens.
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The raiders won't draft a QB in the 2nd rd and play him. If we dont get JaMonster these are our options
Brad Johnson - he can play a role and lead a team but his skills are no more than average. He could fill the role for a season.
Drew Bledsoe - once highly coveted, his career might have moved from twilight to sunset. Like Johnson, he too can get the ball distributed.
David Carr - he's available and the price is not too steep. Some believe he's not bad, others think he stinks. Until he gets an opportunity in a system that is decent, who knows?
Matt Schaub - Proven to be effective in Atlanta. The current Raiders staff know of him. If he is traded for, the Raiders might just pass on Russell.
Aaron Rodgers - again, Greg Knapp knows this guy. The rumors of a Moss-to-GB deal mention Rodgers. I dont really think this is a substative rumor but rather more of a ousider posing as an insider making it up. Besides, between Rodgers and Walter, Walter may be the better QB. Plus Rodgers does not give us the veteran experience we are looking for. And finally, the Raiders already have one young QB whose name gets misspelled.
Trent Green - While KC would not trade with us directly, they may have to part with Green to free up cash for other needs. Green is scheduled to make $7.2 mil in 2007. Latest rumors have him headed to Miami.
Luke McCown - Started 4 games for TB in 2004 and had some limited success. Unless a mysterious injury crops up, I expect his name to hit the cutting room floor in Tamper.
Koy Detmer - Not sure why this Jeff Garcia-like QB isnt being sought after by teams looking for a veteran backup. He was re-signed by the Eagles to be the 3rd string QB in the playoffs. But now is without a contract. Eagles have McNabb and AJ Feeley and Jeff Mroz, so Detmer is out. Maybe not wanted anywhere, but out nonetheless.
Joey Harrington or Cleo Lemon - If Miami is indeed interested in Trent Green as insurance against a Duante Culpepper hangnail causing his outtage, then that leaves either Cleo Lemon or Joey Harrington fighting for 3rd string. One of the two is likely a UFA is Trent Green becomes a Dolphin. My guess is Harrington gets cut as a salary saving measure.
Kyle Boller - this former Cal standout is ready to start. He showed his skills well in 2006 coming off the bench to lead the Ravens to victory. I'd be very pleased if we somehow managed to get Boller in a Moss deal with the Ravens.
Brad Already signed a 3 yr deal with Dallas.
To get Schaubb the Raiders would have to give up a 1st and 3rd rd pick. They only have 6 draft picks as it is so that would be very stupid.
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joe thomas will go 2nd unless the lions draft another WR
They Wont
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What quarterback would be available in the 2nd Round or beyond for Oakland to pick if they don't pick Russell first? They must be working on a trade package to get multiple picks.
There could be a few Qb's still availble. Smith will def be there, Leak too. Kerry Kolb. There are other options. THEY DONT HAVE TO take a QB with there first pick.
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The Raiders returned from the NFL Scouting Combine less convinced that Louisiana State QB JaMarcus Russell is their man for the top pick and with more questions than before after taking a long look at him during the process. Publicly, the Raiders said nothing about Russell or any of the other players who attended the Combine. Privately, several Raider officials questioned Russell's work ethic, said they are concerned about his weight as a long-term issue, and cautioned against making Russell a lead-pipe cinch as the top pick. It now appears just as likely that the Raiders will target Georgia Tech WR Calvin Johnson in light of his posting a 4.31-second 40-yard dash and saying all the right things during an interview
exactly what i said
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Brad Johnson - he can play a role and lead a team but his skills are no more than average. He could fill the role for a season.
Drew Bledsoe - once highly coveted, his career might have moved from twilight to sunset. Like Johnson, he too can get the ball distributed.
David Carr - he's available and the price is not too steep. Some believe he's not bad, others think he stinks. Until he gets an opportunity in a system that is decent, who knows?
Matt Schaub - Proven to be effective in Atlanta. The current Raiders staff know of him. If he is traded for, the Raiders might just pass on Russell.
Aaron Rodgers - again, Greg Knapp knows this guy. The rumors of a Moss-to-GB deal mention Rodgers. I dont really think this is a substative rumor but rather more of a ousider posing as an insider making it up. Besides, between Rodgers and Walter, Walter may be the better QB. Plus Rodgers does not give us the veteran experience we are looking for. And finally, the Raiders already have one young QB whose name gets misspelled.
Trent Green - While KC would not trade with us directly, they may have to part with Green to free up cash for other needs. Green is scheduled to make $7.2 mil in 2007. Latest rumors have him headed to Miami.
Luke McCown - Started 4 games for TB in 2004 and had some limited success. Unless a mysterious injury crops up, I expect his name to hit the cutting room floor in Tamper.
Koy Detmer - Not sure why this Jeff Garcia-like QB isnt being sought after by teams looking for a veteran backup. He was re-signed by the Eagles to be the 3rd string QB in the playoffs. But now is without a contract. Eagles have McNabb and AJ Feeley and Jeff Mroz, so Detmer is out. Maybe not wanted anywhere, but out nonetheless.
Joey Harrington or Cleo Lemon - If Miami is indeed interested in Trent Green as insurance against a Duante Culpepper hangnail causing his outtage, then that leaves either Cleo Lemon or Joey Harrington fighting for 3rd string. One of the two is likely a UFA is Trent Green becomes a Dolphin. My guess is Harrington gets cut as a salary saving measure.
Kyle Boller - this former Cal standout is ready to start. He showed his skills well in 2006 coming off the bench to lead the Ravens to victory. I'd be very pleased if we somehow managed to get Boller in a Moss deal with the Ravens.
those are pretty much our free agent options
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^^^ lol those are all nappy choices up there besides schaub
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^^^ lol those are all nappy choices up there besides schaub
Trent Green is real nice IMO for a few years.
They arent getting Schaub. They would have to give up a 1st and 3rd rd picks. They onyl have 6 picks as it is
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Situations change, but Russell never doesBy Chris Low
Special to ESPN.com
The enormity of it all has yet to sink in, and those who've known him since
he was old enough to grip a football aren't a bit surprised.
But, hey, that's vintage JaMarcus Russell.
Down two touchdowns or up two touchdowns, he's the same quarterback. Sitting
in the pocket with all kinds of time or throwing with guys hanging all over
him, he is convinced that his next play will be his best play. Soaking up a
record-setting day or suffering through a forgettable day, he still wants
the ball at the end.
Scouting report: JaMarcus Russell
Strengths: Possesses an exceptional combination of size, strength and
mobility. He is well-proportioned and flexible with long arms and big hands.
...
Weaknesses: Despite improving in this area, he still needs to improve his
decision-making process. ...
• Complete scouting report
"I've always believed that you measure a quarterback on his bad days, not
his good days," said Jimbo Fisher, who was Russell's offensive coordinator
at LSU (Fisher left to take the same position at Florida State following the
2006 season). "When you're not having your best day, how do you respond? Can
you stay into it and manage the game? JaMarcus knew he was a great player
with great ability -- and he also knew, if something went wrong or if he
messed something up, that he would usually get another chance.
"If he got that ball at the end of the game, he was going to beat your tail
-- and he knew it."
Similarly, Russell doesn't flinch at the thought of being the No. 1 overall
pick in April's NFL draft. The Oakland Raiders are eyeing him closely with
that first selection. Russell has been in Arizona training with some of the
best receivers in the draft, including former teammate Dwayne Bowe,
Tennessee's Robert Meachem and Southern Cal's Dwayne Jarrett.
His take on the whole process?
"I'm just going to chill," said Russell, whose cool demeanor has been
mistaken for nonchalance more than a few times during his career.
John David Mercer-US PRESSWIRE
JaMarcis Russell was 25-4 as a starter at LSU, including eight comeback
victories in the fourth quarter.
Never a big talker, Russell really doesn't need to. His teammates say there
is a quiet confidence about him that is infectious.
"You just learn to trust that he's going to make big plays," said Bowe, who
jokes that his hands are still swollen from catching 95 mph fastballs from
the 6-foot-5, 265-pound Russell. "He never talked a whole lot about it. He
just went out there and did it. That's why so many respected him. When he's
out there, there's no doubt in your mind that we were going to win the
game."
Russell, 25-4 as a starter at LSU, engineered eight comeback victories in
the fourth quarter during his career. He capped a scintillating close to the
2006 season by outplaying Brady Quinn and passing for a career-high 332
yards in a 41-14 drubbing of Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl.
Suddenly, Russell was the most coveted quarterback out there, and the
questions about his decision-making and his tendency to rely on his big
right arm had been reduced to a murmur.
"The only thing that happened is that I finally learned that I didn't have
to be Superman on every play," Russell said. "That's what you have other
teammates for, and I learned to rely on them and what they could do. I
wasn't going it alone."
Still, Russell admits that it's all happened pretty fast.
Heading into last season, LSU head coach Les Miles was noncommittal publicly
about whom his starting quarterback would be. The whole thing had
quarterback controversy written all over it. Matt Flynn was the hero of
LSU's Peach Bowl rout of Miami after stepping in for the injured Russell,
and prep phenom Ryan Perrilloux was also on campus. The Internet message
boards and radio talk shows in Louisiana were buzzing about whether Russell
should be the man, and that's despite his leading the Tigers to the SEC
Championship Game the year before.
"I look back at all the things I could have gotten into and thank God for
where I am today and where I could have been had it not been for my family."
JaMarcus Russell
"I take it one day at a time and let things happen the way they're supposed
to," said Russell, who played through torn ligaments in his throwing wrist
during the 2005 season and then separated his shoulder in the SEC
Championship Game. "Everything happens for a reason, and if things are meant
to be, they're meant to be.
"It's always been my dream to go high in the draft. But to be the first pick
in the draft, that's crazy. I still won't believe it until it happens."
Russell learned a long time ago about the importance of keeping things in
perspective.
Raised by his mother, Zina Russell-Anderson, and grandmother, Bernice
Russell, in the Oakdale community of Mobile, Ala., Russell knew the rules
and rarely bucked them.
They all lived in the same house until he was 11, and the entire Russell
family took turns keeping tabs on Russell. His uncle, Ray Ray Russell,
stepped in as his surrogate father, and to this day, they share an
unbreakable bond.
Ray Ray discovered he had cardiomyopathy -- inflammation of the heart -- and
would need a transplant in the spring of 2005. He's currently on a heart
transplant list, and JaMarcus wears a bracelet that says: Donate Life.
Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE
There's a lot for the NFL to like about Russell, including his size
(6-foot-5, 265 pounds) and arm strength."JaMarcus grew up with a lot of kids
that were never going to see what the world has to offer," said Ray Ray, a
morning disc jockey on a hip-hop and rhythm and blues radio station in
Mobile. "He saw some bad things daily. The part of town we come from is not
super-duper rough, but it's rough enough.
"We preached to him daily that not everybody was given the shot he was. He
was lucky enough to have a shot, so don't mess it up. He knew that if he
dropped the ball one time, he was going to be stuck here with everybody
else."
Russell is still a frequent visitor to where it all began for him. About the
only trouble he ever got into was sneaking off to the park by himself or
tromping through mud puddles with his new sneakers.
When he returns home these days, he can't help but think about all those
kids he grew up with who didn't make it out of the neighborhood unscathed.
"I had a lot of friends that were very capable of doing certain things, but
they didn't really have that push and that guidance behind them to get
there," Russell said. "I look back at all the things I could have gotten
into and thank God for where I am today and where I could have been had it
not been for my family."
It's always been about family with JaMarcus. He was tagging along with his
grandmother to Williamson High School games (in Mobile) from the time he was
2. Bernice helped sell tickets on Friday nights, and JaMarcus was always
right by her side while his mother worked.
On Saturday mornings, they were fixtures in church, as his grandmother is a
Seventh-day Adventist.
Bernice raised eight children, and her husband died in a military accident
when her youngest child was still a toddler. Russell knew better than to
cross his grandmother -- and rarely did.
"She's a very special lady, the kind of person you want on your side,"
Russell said. "Growing up and watching my mom work the way she did and my
grandmother and all the things she went through, it just stayed with me.
"Whether things are going good or bad, you find a way to get it done."
Russell started at Williamson High from the time he was a freshman. He was
about 6-foot-1 and maybe 180 pounds when he took his first varsity snap. He
led Williamson to the Alabama 5A state championship game that year before
losing to running back Carnell Williams' team in the title game (Williams is
now with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers).
Russell's growth spurt came that summer, and he shot up to 6-4 and 220
pounds. All over Mobile, people were talking about the big kid at Williamson
with an even bigger arm.
His legend only grew, and by the time he left Williamson he had passed for
career totals of 10,744 yards and 84 touchdowns.
"His expression was always the same," said Bobby Parrish, who coached
JaMarcus at Williamson. "I never saw him get rattled. I honestly didn't know
what to think when we started him as a freshman. But even that young, he had
a presence about him when he stepped onto that field."
Fisher told everybody on LSU's staff that Russell had the ability to be the
first pick in the draft when the Tigers signed him. And while most marvel
about Russell's arm strength, Fisher said it was his hand motion that set
him apart.
"Yeah, he could throw it 80 yards, but he didn't need the arm," Fisher said.
"He had the ability to flick his wrist and throw it 30 or 40 yards. His
motion for a tall guy was short and compact. It wasn't elongated, and that's
something we worked on."
As the draft nears, Russell knows he'll be picked apart by all the scouts
and analysts. He's ready for it and almost invites it.
"I'll deal with it the same way I do everything else," said Russell, who
will show off his skills to the NFL again at LSU's Pro Day on Wednesday.
"You don't let those things get to you. On the field or off the field, it's
about staying calm and having the confidence to do what you've got to do.
"I've always had a sense of urgency. It's just that some people didn't
always see it."
As Russell himself says with a faint laugh, "That's just me being JaMarcus."
Chris Low covers the SEC for The (Nashville) Tennessean and is a regular
contributor to ESPN.com.
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What quarterback would be available in the 2nd Round or beyond for Oakland to pick if they don't pick Russell first? They must be working on a trade package to get multiple picks.
There could be a few Qb's still availble. Smith will def be there, Leak too. Kerry Kolb. There are other options. THEY DONT HAVE TO take a QB with there first pick.
That is true. Calvin Johnson would be a nice upgrade for us if we can trade Moss. He is basically a younger version of Randy Moss, and a little bigger coming out of college. I don't know about Russell though.
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What quarterback would be available in the 2nd Round or beyond for Oakland to pick if they don't pick Russell first? They must be working on a trade package to get multiple picks.
There could be a few Qb's still availble. Smith will def be there, Leak too. Kerry Kolb. There are other options. THEY DONT HAVE TO take a QB with there first pick.
That is true. Calvin Johnson would be a nice upgrade for us if we can trade Moss. He is basically a younger version of Randy Moss, and a little bigger coming out of college. I don't know about Russell though.
What about Joe Thomas? Cant hurt start with a great left tackle
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LSU had its pro day JaMonster weighed in at 256 (lost 9 pounds apparently) and timed a 4.83 40.
Not bad at all for a 256 pounder, but not great either. JaMarcus is fast
but not quick. 9.5 inch hands
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What quarterback would be available in the 2nd Round or beyond for Oakland to pick if they don't pick Russell first? They must be working on a trade package to get multiple picks.
There could be a few Qb's still availble. Smith will def be there, Leak too. Kerry Kolb. There are other options. THEY DONT HAVE TO take a QB with there first pick.
That is true. Calvin Johnson would be a nice upgrade for us if we can trade Moss. He is basically a younger version of Randy Moss, and a little bigger coming out of college. I don't know about Russell though.
What about Joe Thomas? Cant hurt start with a great left tackle
Yeah but I don't think Oakland will pick a lineman though. They need to though.
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The draft can be a crap shoot. If we pick Russell and he meets expectations, the team made the right choice. If we don't and pick someone else that does not pan out, then it was a bad move and then you hear the "well they were in a position to get...." Especially if the player that is not picked plays well for someone else. I really want Oakland to address the O-Line first. It don't matter who is under center if you only have 0.5 seconds to throw the ball or even hand the ball off to a running back.
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The draft can be a crap shoot. If we pick Russell and he meets expectations, the team made the right choice. If we don't and pick someone else that does not pan out, then it was a bad move and then you hear the "well they were in a position to get...." Especially if the player that is not picked plays well for someone else. I really want Oakland to address the O-Line first. It don't matter who is under center if you only have 0.5 seconds to throw the ball or even hand the ball off to a running back.
exactly!!! These are NFL lineman tho, how could they be this bad? Maybe its whose coaching the o-line too...
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The draft can be a crap shoot. If we pick Russell and he meets expectations, the team made the right choice. If we don't and pick someone else that does not pan out, then it was a bad move and then you hear the "well they were in a position to get...." Especially if the player that is not picked plays well for someone else. I really want Oakland to address the O-Line first. It don't matter who is under center if you only have 0.5 seconds to throw the ball or even hand the ball off to a running back.
exactly!!! These are NFL lineman tho, how could they be this bad? Maybe its whose coaching the o-line too...
I am really disappointed in Robert Gallery. Granted he has been moved 2 or 3 times from left to right tackle. At times he looks like he has never played tackle before.
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Well JaMarcus did his thing yesterday at the workout.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft07/news/story?id=2798856
Oakland might have to just go ahead and pick him up.
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Well JaMarcus did his thing yesterday at the workout.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft07/news/story?id=2798856
Oakland might have to just go ahead and pick him up.
yeah he looked very impressive. Id still go with Calvin Johnson or trade the pick to get more picks. IMO Calvin Johnson is a once in a lifetime player, but Russell isnt. But this is just my opinion we''ll have to wait and see. But no way is Rusell ready to start in the NFL right now.
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Well JaMarcus did his thing yesterday at the workout.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/draft07/news/story?id=2798856
Oakland might have to just go ahead and pick him up.
yeah he looked very impressive. Id still go with Calvin Johnson or trade the pick to get more picks. IMO Calvin Johnson is a once in a lifetime player, but Russell isnt. But this is just my opinion we''ll have to wait and see. But no way is Rusell ready to start in the NFL right now.
Yeah Johnson is a enigma being that big of a reciever and running like that. That is my personal favorite for Oakland to pick but I have no clue who they are picking for this draft.