Quarterback JaMarcus Russell, who played his college football at LSU, was drafted as the first pick in the 2007 NFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders. At LSU, Russell was voted First-team All-SEC by the AP and SEC coaches (2006), received the Manning Award for best QB in the U.S. (2006) and was voted Sugar Bowl MVP (2207).

After being chosen first in the draft, Russell's contract negotiations kept him out of the Raider's training camp. On September 12, 2007, he signed a six-year deal with the club worth $68 million. The team guaranteed $31.5 million to the rookie QB.

Russell did not play until the 12th game of the 2007 season, which was against the Denver Broncos. In that game he was four of seven for 56 yards. During the course of the season, he appeared in four games, completing 36 of 66 passes (54.5-percent) for 373 yards. He averaged 5.7 yards per throw and hit for two touchdowns, while tossing four interceptions. His rating was 55.9.

Russell is exceptionally athletic. He has a big and sturdy frame, standing six-foot-six and weighing 255 pounds. He is strong and mobile and possesses agile, large hands and strong, long arms. He has shown that he has the ability to improve in his accuracy and timing. Russell possesses a fine sense of the pocket and can ably tuck the ball under and run. His strength is a real attribute in dealing with oncoming linebackers or fending off linemen. He needs to work on decision making skills, his step and throwing technique and ability to check off.

He can be a difference maker if he's willing to work hard, to go beyond his obvious talent and to be the leader that he can be.