QB JaMarcus Russell, Oakland Raiders

2006 Stats: N/A
Projected 2007 Stats: 2420 passing yards, 11 total TDs, 17 INTs
Projected Fantasy Round: Undrafted
Quarterbacks to be Picked ahead of JaMarcus Russell: Peyton Manning, Carson Palmer, Drew Brees, etc.

Fantasy Outlook:

Why should you draft JaMarcus Russell: JaMarcus Russell finished his career at LSU with a sparkling 25-4 record, and he threw for 52 touchdown passes and had an eye-popping 61.9 completion percentage.  There is very little doubt that the starting quarterback job for the Oakland Raiders in 2007 will eventually be given to Russell, and he certainly has the skills to make the most of that opportunity. 

Why you may want to stay away from drafting JaMarcus Russell: Russell is currently holding out of training camp, which will have him behind in learning the plays as well as in his timing with his receivers.  Even if Russell ends his holdout and becomes the starter, he will likely struggle in his rookie year as most quarterbacks do. Not to mention, the Raiders do not exactly have the most prolific targets as Jerry Porter figures to be the No.1 wideout in Oakland, and Porter only had 19 receiving yards in all of 2006.      

Bottom Line: Since Russell is in his rookie campaign, and he will have to lineup behind a lackluster offensive line, he does not merit any fantasy consideration at this time.   

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