JaMarcus

Russell

Schefter says Russell is the “overwhelming favorite, almost a cinch,” to be the No. 1 overall pick. We’d still be hesitant with this news, as teams often posture before the draft. The Raiders’ decision may come down to whether they’re willing to move Randy Moss before or on draft day.

This comes from ESPN’s Len Pasquarelli; ESPN’s Chris Mortensen said the same in a recent online chat. Pasquarelli contends the bigger debate is whether JaMarcus Russell or Brady Quinn is the top QB prospect.

Clayton’s theory is that the whole top part of the draft depends on the future of Trent Green. If Green goes to Miami, Daunte Culpepper will be cut and Oakland would then sign him. Clayton says if a Green trade can’t be worked out, the Raiders will be forced to draft JaMarcus Russell.

Kiffin described what he’s seen from Russell so far as “professional.” The Washington Post said Russell ‘killed it’ and showed ‘amazing stuff’. His 4.83 forty is fine for a player his size, but he surprisingly didn’t perform other drills. Raiders officials will now travel to Georgia Tech to meet with wide receiver Calvin Johnson.

Standard operating procedure (Houston did the same with Reggie Bush and Mario Williams a year ago), but any hitch in talks could impact which way the Raiders lean if they’re on the fence like most believe they are.

The consensus top prospect before being outplayed by JaMarcus Russell in the Sugar Bowl and Calvin Johnson’s decision to leave school early, Quinn visited with the Raiders on Tuesday. He would seem a better fit for coordinator Greg Knapp’s West Coast offense than Russell.

The Raiders are still undecided between Calvin Johnson and Russell, according to John Czarnecki, but are expected to take the quarterback because it’s a greater need. The Czar adds that there was “word” Oakland offered Randy Moss to Detroit in a proposed Josh McCown trade.

Hence the Josh McCown rumors. The idea is they’d get McCown, then draft Russell and “redshirt” him for one season. Everyone seems to assume Russell will be going to the Raiders with the first overall pick.

Depending on his agent’s approach, Quinn may be in for a prolonged holdout, which could kill his chances to start before midseason. Clayton says talks between Oakland and JaMarcus Russell will pick up in the next week.

The Raiders, already loaded with young wideouts that need to play, are trying to build a team that will be competitive for a long time, not necessarily win now. Witness the selection of JaMarcus Russell over Calvin Johnson.