SBN Mock Draft: Pick No. 1

by Shrug on Mar 29, 2007 3:03 PM PDT in SB Nation NFL Mock Draft

No. 1

JaMarcus Russell
Quarterback
LSU

The ~~Altamont~~ Oakland Raiders have spoken. And Saint from Silver and Black Pride has elected to fill his team's rather gaping hole at QB with JaMarcus Russell of the LSU Tigers.

And, yeah, that's all I have. This is, um, why we wanted a brief explanatory paragraph from those of you taking part in this draft. 'Cause I got a whole lotta space to kill and no more Jerramy Stevens jokes. None that are funny, anyway. So. Lemme know. Thank you.

Detroit, you're on the clock! Next pick by Pride of Detroit.

0 recs | Comment 46 comments

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Hey Shrug

from now on can you please try to link the players name to their stats in college? Thanks.

by Coach Owens on Mar 29, 2007 3:08 PM PDT 0 recs

No.

It's called "Google."

--Shrug

by Shrug on Mar 29, 2007 3:53 PM PDT up 0 recs

Hi Oh

Har Har Har.

Check out SB Nation's Jacksonville Jaguar Blog at Big Cat Country

by River City Rage on Mar 29, 2007 4:07 PM PDT 0 recs

Commitment to Excrement

Enjoy more losing seasons Raider fan. Russell is not the savior. I just don't buy this guy.

When you are a garbage team, go offensive or defensive line or running back. Those three positions will make the fastest change for a crap team. Enjoy last place for 5 more years.

WindyCityGridIron.com the place for real football talk

by Chad on Mar 29, 2007 4:12 PM PDT 0 recs

wow...

that was a little harsh...besides, they are clearly rebuilding, so y not rebuild with a talented QB?

The Phinsider
SBN's Miami Dolphins Blog

by Phinatic on Mar 29, 2007 4:16 PM PDT up 0 recs

worst place to rebuild...

A qb cannot do anything without an offensive line and receivers. Sure moss is there but you can't throw touchdowns while running for your life. Get a good running back and Randy Moss gets so open that even Andrew Walter could find him.

WindyCityGridIron.com the place for real football talk

by Chad on Mar 29, 2007 4:22 PM PDT up 0 recs

here's the thing...

I'm a firm believer that Russell is going to be a special player. So why pass on a QB at this stage of the rebuilding process? This will give him a year or two to learn the NFL and Oakland's system. Running backs are a dime a dozen so there's no need to spend the #1 pick on one. Same goes for offensive line and defensive line. I think that the only logical selection besides Russell or Oakland would be Calvin Johnson because he is almost like a "once-in-a-lifetime" player with his combo of size, blazing speed, vertical leap, and incredible hands.

But taking a RB or a lineman #1 overall is bad draft strategy because those players are so common.

The Phinsider
SBN's Miami Dolphins Blog

by Phinatic on Mar 29, 2007 4:57 PM PDT up 0 recs

JaMarcus Me Crazy

I think he's got potential to be a good QB, but the Raiders are just so damn bad. I'm not sure any position they draft is going to come right in and change this team around, so Russell was probably a solid pick here. At least he's got that cannon arm all them Raider fans love.

by The Falcoholic on Mar 29, 2007 5:27 PM PDT up 0 recs

We already fixed what ailed us most:

The head coach and offensive coordinator.

Kiffin has hired 16 new coaches and is paramount in Rhodes' decision to come to Oakland.

Bo Knows Boz!!!

by saint on Mar 30, 2007 4:51 PM PDT up 0 recs

Bad Draft strategy?

Uh no. You think the Rams and Ravens regret taking Pace and Ogden that hight? No. They each won a Super Bowl. Taking an offensive lineman high in the draft is one of the BEST strategies. And no, great running backs are not a dime a dozen. You think that LT is a dime a dozen? And yes I think AP is going to be special. LT, no but I do think he's the next Eric Dickerson.

WindyCityGridIron.com the place for real football talk

by Chad on Mar 29, 2007 5:41 PM PDT up 0 recs

eh.....

what about guys like Robert Gallery? Lineman aren't as sure of bets as you think. Also, let's look at the running backs that have come out the past couple of years: Reggie Bush in 06, Ronnie Brown, Cadillac Williams, and Cedric Benson in 05 (one of them will be a top 5 back...hopefully Brown), Steven Jackson in 04, Clinton Portis in 02, etc...

The bottom line here is that the Raiders have many needs and taking a QB now puts them in a better situation in 3 or 4 years because he will be familiar with the NFL and Oakland's system. And this gives Oakland 3 or 4 years to address their remaining needs (RB, OL, etc...).

The Phinsider
SBN's Miami Dolphins Blog

by Phinatic on Mar 29, 2007 6:15 PM PDT up 0 recs

no way...

QB is the most overrated position. It's been proven that you don't need a star qb to win a super bowl. Sure Peyton Manning won but so has Brad Johnson, Ben Roethlisberger and Trent Dilfer. I would always build my team around a strong offensive and defensive line.

Robert Gallery? Puhleez. How about Ryan Leaf or David Carr or Joey Harrington. There are way more bust out QBs than offensive lineman. For every Tony Mandarich there are 5 Heath Schulers. Offensive line is the safest pick you can make early in the first round.

WindyCityGridIron.com the place for real football talk

by Chad on Mar 29, 2007 6:57 PM PDT up 0 recs

so ur suggesting...

...that the raiders should take Joe Thomas #1 overall when they have SO many other needs? Sure, you can win with an average QB, but you can also win with an average RB. And I think that, right now, Russell (biggest need) or CJ (best player available) are the best choices for the Raiders.

The Phinsider
SBN's Miami Dolphins Blog

by Phinatic on Mar 29, 2007 7:38 PM PDT up 0 recs

And you're absolutely right

And I think that, right now, Russell (biggest need) or CJ (best player available) are the best choices for the Raiders.

That's because those two players ARE (obviously) the best choices for the Raiders. Although part of me would love to see Brady Quinn adjust to playing his home games at the Black Hole. It'd be a pretty far cry from Touchdown Jeebus, that's for sure.

The Daily Norseman - SBN's Vikings Blog
Where stupidity is the only bannable offense.

by GonzoDN on Mar 29, 2007 7:51 PM PDT up 0 recs

Yes

Or trade down. This kid Thomas seems like the real deal.

WindyCityGridIron.com the place for real football talk

by Chad on Mar 29, 2007 8:20 PM PDT up 0 recs

true...

..but I wouldn't risk it cus the Lions may take Joe Thomas

The Phinsider
SBN's Miami Dolphins Blog

by Phinatic on Mar 29, 2007 8:59 PM PDT up 0 recs

I gotta agree with Phinatic on this one

A great offensive lineman can be a cornerstone, I don't disagree there and I truly believe a guy like Walter Jones is among the top 5 players in the league.

However having a franchise QB can make all the difference in the world. How many talented teams out there have been a mess until that franchise QB came along?

The Colts were a mess until Manning got there. The Pats were on the verge of another 5 win season until Brady took over. The Packers took off once Favre started, the Seahawks were a doormat until Hasselbeck started listening to Holmgren. The Cardianls have been a mess the last 20 years, but are headed up with Leinart. The Saints were a 3 win team until Brees got there.

Look at the 3 QB's you mentioned, sure they got there team there but I don't recall any of those teams having long term success. The Colts are a superbowl contender every season because they have that Franchise QB.

Sure you can win a superbowl with a mediocre QB, you can also win a superbowl with a mediocre D-line, O-line, running back (as we saw this season), WR, TE and so on. It happens, but 2 of the teams you mentioned are probably ranked amongst the best defenses of all time (ravens, bucs) and the Steelers D wasn't to shabby either.

The QB is the most important player on the field. The Colts, Saints, Patriots, possibly Seattle and a few other teams probably win 5 games each if there QB was out the whole year. LT is awesome but I bet you the Chargers still make the playoffs if he was out with injury.

However with all that said I agree with you on Russell. Im not a big fan of his, he might be excellent, but from games I've watched I would take Quinn over Russell.

Josh Brown is better than you.

by MFAN on Mar 29, 2007 7:54 PM PDT up 0 recs

I got to go with Chad

QB's are products of their system. You put your QB in a system that will allow your QB to succeed. Its very rare that you find a QB that is a for sure thing that could play for any team.

With that said I think Russell will do well in in Oakland because there offense fits his style.

V. 1.0, mutherf***er, know what I'm sayin'?

by Scruffy Lefty on Mar 29, 2007 8:03 PM PDT up 0 recs

n/s

good point. If the system and coaches are right you can find a lot of QB's that can succeed.

Hasselbeck and Brady were probably bad examples by me since they were both 6th round draft picks.

Josh Brown is better than you.

by MFAN on Mar 29, 2007 8:10 PM PDT up 0 recs

I had to read that twice...

No one ever agrees with me!!!

Having said that, give me Walter Jones and Shaun Alexander on my team ANYDAY and I will win many, many games.

WindyCityGridIron.com the place for real football talk

by Chad on Mar 29, 2007 8:26 PM PDT up 0 recs

It always comes down to evaluation

In the end. That's the simple answer. Drafting a QB high and being successful isn't a game of averages... it's the difference between picking Tim Couch over Donovan McNabb. Or Peyton Manning over Ryan Leaf.

Bleeding Green Nation Philadelphia Eagles Blog

by JasonB on Mar 30, 2007 6:08 AM PDT up 0 recs

Dominc Rhodes is a Raider Now:

Or did you miss that?

Jordan was hurt last year, but was a 1,000 yard rusher the year before. Kiffin has added a Pro Bowl FB and tow blocking TE's to a line that is VERY talented and was abused in game planning last year...

Bo Knows Boz!!!

by saint on Mar 30, 2007 4:53 PM PDT up 0 recs

Wow...Those Cocktails have made me:

Dix-Lexic!!! LMAO!!!

Bo Knows Boz!!!

by saint on Mar 30, 2007 4:54 PM PDT up 0 recs

Shrug,

what are you going to do for the teams that don't have a blog?

by Coach Owens on Mar 29, 2007 4:32 PM PDT 0 recs

A consortium of experts, I believe.

Or guest bloggers from elsewhere. I don't really know. This is an SBN production. I'm just the cable channel showing it.

--Shrug

by Shrug on Mar 29, 2007 5:30 PM PDT up 0 recs

I'll make a pick...

if you need.

WindyCityGridIron.com the place for real football talk

by Chad on Mar 29, 2007 5:42 PM PDT up 0 recs

We have guest bloggers...

handling the 4 teams we are missing....

Baltimore will be picked by the other AFC North teams represented...

TSG

MileHighReport

by TheSportsGuru on Mar 30, 2007 7:00 AM PDT up 0 recs

Congrats Saint

You made the right choice. You finally have a franchise cornerstone.

by Brian Galliford on Mar 29, 2007 5:25 PM PDT 0 recs

Shrug

quit playing with Div tags

V. 1.0, mutherf***er, know what I'm sayin'?

by Scruffy Lefty on Mar 29, 2007 8:04 PM PDT 0 recs

heh heh

Sorry. Perfectionism. I'm done now. I swear.

--Shrug

by Shrug on Mar 29, 2007 8:20 PM PDT up 0 recs

Oh and I should just note

that I think its awesome my logo is floating around the SBN

V. 1.0, mutherf***er, know what I'm sayin'?

by Scruffy Lefty on Mar 29, 2007 8:06 PM PDT 0 recs

Me too

--Shrug

by Shrug on Mar 29, 2007 8:21 PM PDT up 0 recs

It's a pretty pimp logo

If the seahawk was attacking Mel Kiper's hair, it would be even better. But what you've got is pretty awesome. Props to Scruffy.

by The Falcoholic on Mar 29, 2007 8:53 PM PDT up 0 recs

Yup

I second that...great logo!

The Phinsider
SBN's Miami Dolphins Blog

by Phinatic on Mar 29, 2007 9:01 PM PDT up 0 recs

Mos Isley Brothers

With all the blog runners buzzing around here, I'm reminded of something Obi Wan said that pertains to this blog. "Field Gulls, You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. We must be cautious."

WindyCityGridIron.com the place for real football talk

by Chad on Mar 29, 2007 9:00 PM PDT 0 recs

hahaha

oh its sad....but its so true....

The Phinsider
SBN's Miami Dolphins Blog

by Phinatic on Mar 29, 2007 9:02 PM PDT up 0 recs

You had me

at "Mos Isley Brothers."

Damn you, Chad!

--Shrug

by Shrug on Mar 29, 2007 10:44 PM PDT up 0 recs

this blog is getting lots of attention

ill need to spend my entire life on here the next couple of weeks.

Alex Barron is better than you.

by stlcardinalsfang on Mar 29, 2007 9:26 PM PDT 0 recs

lol

you probably won't be the only one!

The Phinsider
SBN's Miami Dolphins Blog

by Phinatic on Mar 29, 2007 9:28 PM PDT up 0 recs

good job shrug and scruffy

i can't wait for the rams pick, i should do some research. i trust vanram to make a good pick. this is fun.

Alex Barron is better than you.

by stlcardinalsfang on Mar 29, 2007 10:46 PM PDT 0 recs

i also have ADD.

Alex Barron is better than you.

by stlcardinalsfang on Mar 29, 2007 10:48 PM PDT up 0 recs

i also have ADD.

Alex Barron is better than you.

by stlcardinalsfang on Mar 29, 2007 10:48 PM PDT up 0 recs

CJ then Edwards is better move

The Raiders would be better served getting a player like Johnson #1. He is an incredible talent. With #2 or #3 pick, they can draft Edwards out of Stanford as their QB. He will do a good job, and have talent to throw to. With the lower picks, draft for protection on your line.

Raymond

by raysheff on Mar 30, 2007 12:39 AM PDT 0 recs

I still think the best bet...

For the Raiders was to trade down...They have so many needs that the extra picks would have come in handy.

Of course, if no one is going to offer value, and they have to make that pick, Russell is a good choice, but still a risky one. As a Bronco fan, I definitely don't look forward to seeing Russell to Moss and Porter twice a year, but at the same time there have been other quarterbacks that have turned a solid season, and lights-out workout, into a high pick only to fall flat.

I don't think Russell is that, but he's no slam dunk either...

TSG

MileHighReport

by TheSportsGuru on Mar 30, 2007 7:04 AM PDT 0 recs

Wow.

I go away for a day and this happens.....Shiza.

Didn't DMZ make fun of your dad? - Scruffy Lefty to Coach Owens ...... - Coach Owens to Scruffy Lefty

by Christian on Mar 30, 2007 7:41 AM PDT 0 recs

Russell is the prototypical Raider QB:

Haters can go ahead and judge the team on their last four seasons, but you have to pay respect where it is due. Especially when you are a Sea-gull fan.

The draft was a bit early in that it looks like my dream come true will happen: The Raiders will sign Carr and draft Calvin Johnson.

The next best thing is to sign Carr, trade down with Wash (who has a meeting with Russel already booked) and acquire Landry, Adams or Okoye along with Randall El and Wash's #1 and 2 next year.

The third best option, and believe me, I am NOT crying about this is to take the best player available in this draft, JaMarcus Russell.

Just wait, the draft is heating up and my gameplan of two days ago is still a VERY nice one for Oakland!!! :)

Bo Knows Boz!!!

by saint on Mar 30, 2007 4:49 PM PDT 0 recs