Oakland Raiders' JaMarcus Russell
Quarterback is Number One Pick in 2007 NFL Draft
21-year-old JaMarcus Russell was selected by the Oakland Raiders with the number one overall pick in the draft. Raider Nation looks to Russell as the team's savior.
JaMarcus Russell hasn’t even thrown an NFL pass yet, but he is already helping out the Oakland Raiders. After making him the number one overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, Raiders season tickets are up. And so too are the team’s spirits.
Russell is a giant of a quarterback with a rocket arm who Raiders owner Al Davis has pinned hopes on to lead to an even improved commitment to excellence on the offensive side of the ball. Oakland’s defense was surprisingly good last season but the offense, which is usually the pride and joy of Davis and the Raiders, was the worst in team history.
Who is Going to Help?
Along with Russell, the Raiders added free agent running back Dominic Rhodes, who is expected to bolster their backfield attack. Rhodes, coming off an impressive Super Bowl performance for the Indianapolis Colts, will join LaMont Jordan at the running back position. Additionally, Justin Griffith was brought in to be the team’s fullback.
Although Randy Moss was traded, the Raiders can expect a more cohesive wide receiver corps this season. Jerry Porter is back and could be in line for a breakout season as the team’s number one receiving threat. Ronald Curry, who when healthy has put up impressive numbers, and Alvis Whitted round out the wide receivers.
Youth at the Helm
New head coach Lane Kiffin is an offensive whiz kid who last year was the offensive coordinator for USC. At 31, Kiffin will be the youngest head coach in the NFL. If he coaches anything like he did at Southern Cal, expect multiple formations and innovative play calling from the Raiders this upcoming season.
When Will He Start?
Heading into training camp, the main question everyone wants answered relates to when Russell will be given the reins to the team’s offense. But at this point, no one knows the answer. The Raiders also have veteran quarterback Josh McCown, who likely will see action until Russell is ready.
McCown was another offseason addition that the Raiders hope can make a difference to begin the season. But make no mistake, the hope of the team’s offensive future rests with Russell and how far he and his arm can lead his new team. All eyes, from the fans to his own teammates, will be on the number one overall pick to see if he can be Oakland’s savior and return the team to offensive glory. Only time will tell.
