2008 Woodie Awards
Let the Guessing Game Begin...
Jon Lampert
Issue date: 4/26/07 Section: Sports
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Can Raiders owner Al Davis, find a way to mismanage the seemingly ideal situation that his franchise currently finds itself in? Granted, this year's NFL Draft does not have two blue-chip prospects like Reggie Bush and Vince Young, who were the best players available in the 2006 Draft class. However, former Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson and LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell are not far behind Bush and Young talent-wise. Hopefully for Raider fans, Davis took note of the Houston's mistake of taking Mario Williams last year. If the embattled Raiders' owner drafts anyone but Russell or Johnson, he would be making a big mistake.
Johnson is, without much question, the most talented player in this year's draft. At 6'5" and 239 pounds, he has been described as having a combination of Randy Moss's speed, Terrell Owens's physical ability and Marvin Harrison's dedication. Johnson's incredible talent has not led to an inflated ego, as is the case with many players in the NFL. He has proven to be a humble and focused player despite his immense talent, which is a coach's and quarterback's dream.
JaMarcus Russell is the second most talented player in this draft. Although he does not have the great potential that Vince Young possesses, Russell appears to be a better prospect than Philip Rivers was and a better quarterback than Eli Manning will ever be. Russell not only has the most powerful arm in college football, but he might have a stronger arm than any other quarterback in the NFL. He will also be the most physically imposing pro quarterback, as he enters the draft at 6'5" and 265 pounds. To put this in perspective, Michael Strahan, the best defensive lineman in football, weighs ten pounds less than JaMarcus Russell. He has great poise, stays calm in the pocket and has demonstrated the ability to deliver in big games, as he did against Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl.
The Raiders appear to have a win-win situation on their hands, very similar to the Texans' last year. Oakland is in desperate need of a quarterback and JaMarcus Russell would fit in perfectly to Al Davis's pass-oriented offense. Furthermore, Russell might inspire Randy Moss into playing like he did in Minnesota, where Moss had another quarterback with a huge arm named Daunte Culpepper. Russell would also open the door for LaMont Jordan, as teams would no longer be able to stack the line due to the deep passing threat.
Johnson is, without much question, the most talented player in this year's draft. At 6'5" and 239 pounds, he has been described as having a combination of Randy Moss's speed, Terrell Owens's physical ability and Marvin Harrison's dedication. Johnson's incredible talent has not led to an inflated ego, as is the case with many players in the NFL. He has proven to be a humble and focused player despite his immense talent, which is a coach's and quarterback's dream.
JaMarcus Russell is the second most talented player in this draft. Although he does not have the great potential that Vince Young possesses, Russell appears to be a better prospect than Philip Rivers was and a better quarterback than Eli Manning will ever be. Russell not only has the most powerful arm in college football, but he might have a stronger arm than any other quarterback in the NFL. He will also be the most physically imposing pro quarterback, as he enters the draft at 6'5" and 265 pounds. To put this in perspective, Michael Strahan, the best defensive lineman in football, weighs ten pounds less than JaMarcus Russell. He has great poise, stays calm in the pocket and has demonstrated the ability to deliver in big games, as he did against Notre Dame in the Sugar Bowl.
The Raiders appear to have a win-win situation on their hands, very similar to the Texans' last year. Oakland is in desperate need of a quarterback and JaMarcus Russell would fit in perfectly to Al Davis's pass-oriented offense. Furthermore, Russell might inspire Randy Moss into playing like he did in Minnesota, where Moss had another quarterback with a huge arm named Daunte Culpepper. Russell would also open the door for LaMont Jordan, as teams would no longer be able to stack the line due to the deep passing threat.
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