Randall Posted March 25, 2007 Share Posted March 25, 2007 Link Oakland Raiders: JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU If you look in my new mock draft database, you'll see that nearly every mock across the internet has the Raiders taking JaMarcus Russell. This one won't be any different, although it is conceivable that Calvin Johnson could end up No. 1. There are two things Al Davis looks for every April: athleticism and arm strength (for quarterbacks). JaMarcus Russell has both attributes, and reminds me of Daunte Culpepper circa 2004. Moreover, Russell's ability to elude defenders will come in handy once opposing pass rushers easily squeak through Oakland's pitiful offensive line. So why will Davis choose Russell over Johnson? Well, when Jeff Garcia was negotiating with the team, he asked for the Raiders not to draft a quarterback No. 1. That's exactly why the two parties reached an impasse, allowing Tampa Bay to snag the top quarterback in free agency. If Oakland planned on selecting Johnson, it would have simply complied to Garcia's demand. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pope Flick Posted March 25, 2007 Share Posted March 25, 2007 Link If Oakland planned on selecting Johnson, it would have simply complied to Garcia's demand. If true, there would be more to it than that. 1 - if the Raiders WERE planning on taking CJ and Garcia said that they'd be giving the appearance of Garcia having say in how the team gets run. Most owners wouldn't let that happen (and as an aside, why is a 37 year old QB trying this? He's out of the league in 2-3 years we all know this). 2 - (and much more likely) Oakland had NO idea which way there were leaning when negotiating with Garcia, and might not even have it today as I write this. Garcia saying that again, puts them in a bad spot as per appearances of how much say he has. Sure Davis has all of the say, but you can also expect Kiffin to try to demonstrate some chutzpah for the old man and wouldn't want Garcia around, who would basically act his older brother. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big John Posted March 25, 2007 Share Posted March 25, 2007 (edited) Does WW know about his last name being used? Edited March 25, 2007 by Big John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Randall Posted March 25, 2007 Author Share Posted March 25, 2007 Does WW know about his last name being used? © 1999-2007 Walter Cherepinsky : all rights reserved If I were him I wouldn't want to trade. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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