Raiders have small plans for Russell

By Chris Cluff  |   Friday, December 14, 2007  |  Comments( 28 )

Fantasy Football
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Josh McCown will start at quarterback for the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, but JaMarcus Russell will see action against the Indianapolis Colts. Russell, the top pick in the draft earlier this year, is expected to play a couple of series, starting in the second quarter. Russell made his NFL debut to weeks ago in a win over the Denver Broncos. He played two series in that game, completing 4 of 7 passes for 56 yards and running three times for four yards.

Commentary: The Raiders were fools to draft Russell with the top pick, just like any team that wastes a No. 1 pick on a quarterback is foolish. The way to do it is to go with a veteran and let a young player learn behind him. And that young player usually should not be a first-round pick.

The facts support the claim. Of the 32 starting QBs at the beginning of this season, 15 were first-rounders. But of the 10 top-rated passers right now, only three were first-rounders. And only five of the top 15 were first-rounders. In other words, 10 of the league's top 15 QBs were found somewhere other than the first round.

Outside of proven college stars like Peyton Manning, Carson Palmer and Donovan McNabb -- guys who started a lot of games in college -- picking a QB in the top five of the draft is usually a complete waste of a pick. And Russell will prove to be that as well. Even if he is a good player, the Raiders have proven they are the best at burning guys out fast.

Fantasy Football Impact: Two series are not enough for Russell to accomplish anything. And in McCown's seven previous starts, he has had only two games of note.
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About Chris Cluff

Chris Cluff spent 10 years as an editor and sportswriter for The Seattle Times. He was a key figure in the newspaper's coverage of the Seahawks, particularly during their Super Bowl run in 2005. He also has written two books on the Seahawks: "The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly: Heart-Pounding,...
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