Report: Browns owner wants JaMarcus Russell
Feb 11, 2007
by Cleveland.com
The Indianapolis Colts have had their parade. They've had four whole days to bask in the afterglow of their first Super Bowl victory . . .
And now it's time to start thinking football again.
There is seemingly no end to the NFL season. The Pro Bowl will be played Saturday, and less than two weeks after that the scouting combine in Indianapolis officially kicks off next season.
The Oakland Raiders have the first pick in the draft, so they're on the clock, and speculation has them taking Louisiana State quarterback JaMarcus Russell — think Brian Urlacher's body and Brett Favre's velocity — but "speculation" is the operative word. The Raiders need a lot of help; they easily could decide to trade down for more picks.
Here's an early look at some of the players up for grabs April 28:
Five can't-miss picks
Calvin Johnson, receiver, Georgia Tech: Built like Terrell Owens from the neck down, he seems to be much better than Owens from the neck up. He could wind up being the first wide receiver picked No. 1 since Keyshawn Johnson in 1996.
Joe Thomas, offensive tackle, Wisconsin: It's rare that a rookie can step in and play left tackle right away (San Diego's Marcus McNeill did it in 2006), but Thomas looks to be that type of player. If he's available, look for Cleveland (No. 3 or No. 4) or Arizona (No. 5) to grab him.
Adrian Peterson, running back, Oklahoma: He's already good enough to supplant at least half the starting running backs in the NFL. He doesn't waste a lot of time by dancing in the backfield, just makes one cut and hits the hole. He's fast and doesn't shy from contact.
Alan Branch, defensive tackle, Michigan: At 6 feet 5 inches, 330 pounds, Branch blots the sun as a run stopper and is quick enough to get to the quarterback. He opted to skip his senior season and is a probable top-10 selection.
LaRon Landry, safety, Louisiana State: Landry might not be the top safety on every team's board, but many scouts see him as the elite player at his position. He was a four-year starter in college and his team's top tackler as a senior.
Five gambles
JaMarcus Russell, LSU: He had a spectacular Sugar Bowl in which he upstaged Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn. Russell will have one of the NFL's strongest arms right away, but his decision-making is a question mark. He's a little quick to evacuate the pocket, and he had some lousy games to go along with his good ones.
Brady Quinn, Notre Dame: Last year, Matt Leinart was the star quarterback who slipped down the draft board. This year, it could be Quinn. He's a good leader who's accurate when protected, but he can get rattled under pressure. That will scare off some teams.
Tony Ugoh, offensive tackle, Arkansas: Uncommonly quick at 6-6, 300 pounds, this big Hog has attracted a lot of attention. Scouts wonder, though, if the former track-and-field thrower is simply a one-year wonder.
Isaiah Stanback, quarterback, Washington: A scrambler whose college career was cut short by a sprained foot, he sees himself as a quarterback. Former Huskies quarterback Warren Moon sees him that way, too. Others think he's a better fit as a receiver.
Marcus McCauley, cornerback, Fresno State: Projected as a first-round pick last year, he took a step back as a senior. McCauley has a great build for the position and he is very fast, but he lost his confidence and focus this past season.
