SN Archive (2007): Raiders knew Calvin Johnson should have been No. 1 pick over JaMarcus Russell

“He's a no-brainer, the cleanest, no flaws,” says Dolphins general manager Randy Mueller. “Just because he is a receiver, I wouldn't be scared to take him that high because I don't think he will fail.” That's the kind of praise you receive when you are 6-5, weigh 239, have game-breaking 4.35 speed and terrific hands and easily pass the character test.

Yet Russell still looms as the first choice because, even with a player of Johnson's ability available, you won't win without a good quarterback. “If you have a conviction on a quarterback and you have that need, you have to take him,” says former Texans general manager Charley Casserly. “If the quarterback is among your top five guys, you can justify pushing him to No. 1.”

Davis knows in his heart of football hearts that Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson, not LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell, should be the Raiders' choice as the No. 1 pick in this years draft.

Russell is one of those unpolished physical wonders who creates the most angst for scouts. He's really unlike anyone who has played the position in the NFL. He is athletic and huge— a sculpted 6-5⅜, 256 — and can easily flick a pass 70 yards. His upside is enormous.

But he has been out of shape during the offseason and his lower-body mechanics need work. There are questions about how quickly he will grasp a prostyle offense and whether his feet are nifty enough — he's not Vince Young — to avoid an overabundance of punishment.

He could be a good player or a potential superstar, or he might be overwhelmed in the NFL. Too bad Johnson is not a quarterback.

SN's 2007 NFL Draft Preview featuring JaMarcus Russell

SN

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE: APRIL 23, 2007

• 2007 NFL Draft Big Board
• Calvin Johnson's scouting report
• Adrian Peterson's scouting report

JaMarcus Russell's 2007 scouting report

War Room Scouts provided pre-draft analysis for The Sporting News in 2007 and Russell entered No. 1 on the overall draft board.

Here is the original scouting report on Russell which appears on page 32 of our draft preview.

"Has the strongest arm in football. Makes every throw and fits passes into tight spots. Gets rid of the ball quickly but isn't always accurate because of inconsistent mechanics. Sees the whole field well and excels at surveying options while scrambling. Powerful enough to break tackles. Showed great maturation last season after being inconsistent early in his career. Has the potential to be a top-flight starter for many years."

MORE:How JaMarcus Russell went from No. 1 pick to all-time bust

Grading Raiders 2007 NFL Draft

In SN's first issue following the draft, War Room Scouts offered NFL Draft grades for every team. Only two teams — the Raiders and Dolphins — received A+ marks.

**"OAKLAND:**It got its franchise quarterback in JaMarcus Russell, acquired one of the draft's top tight ends in Zach Miller and picked up RB Michael Bush, who could start in 2008 after a season of being a backup and getting healthy."

"MIAMI: The first three picks—WR Ted Ginn, QB John Beck and C Samson Satele—likely will become starters quickly. The smart, mature Beck could be ready by Week 1. RB Lorenzo Booker will help immediately as a third-down back."

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