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Saturday, February 03, 2007

Raiders Draft Outlook: Quarterbacks

With our current draft position, there are a couple of Quarterbacks that could warrant a look. The first and most likely choice is Jemarcus Russell. Russell is the most physically gifted of the Quarterbacks in the upcoming draft and can throw a deep ball that will make Al Davis drool. He is currently the first or second Quarterback selected in most Mock Drafts and his stock will not drop after the combine due his remarkable physical skills. He is a bit raw and may need a little time to develop properly but he could be worth the wait. If he is drafted, there is a good chance he could sit on the bench his first season. If that is the case, look for us to either keep Aaron Brooks on the roster or pick up another veteran Quarterback for the upcoming season.

Another viable option is Brady Quinn. His stock may be dropping slightly after a poor bowl game outing but he may be the most NFL-ready Quarterback in the draft. I have a feeling that Quinn will drop a few picks after the NFL combine and won't be considered with the first overall pick in the draft. The main knock on Quinn is he can't win the big games. The majority of his good stats came against weak opponents and when matched up against quality defenses he struggled. If he is drafted, he should be ready to start right away but he may be the next Rick Mirer.

Troy Smith could also be a decent NFL Quarterback. We know Al Davis likes Heisman Trophy winners but the only way we take him is if we trade down or he falls all the way to the second round. The main knock on Smith is his height but short Quarterbacks can still be successful, just look at Drew Brees. Smith is also a winner and the Raiders franchise could use a winner at Quarterback. Smith would be a decent pick if he does fall to the second round but our front office can't count on the possibility after Brohm and Brennan announced they are returning to school.

Of the three Quarterbacks listed, I think Russell would be the best fit for our organization. He has a cannon but may take a season or two to develop into a franshice type Quarterback. The best solution, in my mind, would be to start Andrew Walter while Russell is being groomed to see what we really have with Walter. If Walter pans out, we would end up in a similar situation as San Diego was in last season with Drew Brees and Philip Rivers but if he doesn't, we would have our next "Quarterback of the future" already on our roster.

3 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Please go with the top rb in the draft, Adrian Peterson. No qb in the NFL could have looked good with the Raiders offensive line performance (as well as coaching) in 2006. A running threat and a west coast offense would give the current talented qb's time throw as well as develope. Riaders could possibley trade down and get some other prime picks. This would be a superior move, we have talent at qb already. Give them a chance.

2/10/2007 12:15 AM  
Blogger DFS Dude said...

have to go qb - Al better take J-Mac with the 1st pick.

2/11/2007 2:23 PM  
Blogger The Analyzer said...

I think David Carr might be the best option available. He also would come for a fourth or fifth round draft pick

2/15/2007 8:35 PM  

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