|
Not yet
Russell’s potential is alluring, but now is not the time to make him part of your fantasy team
By Dan Parr
Aug. 4, 2008
There is no one else like him.
No other quarterback in the league can match JaMarcus Russell’s blend of power. He can overpower defenders with his 6-6, 255-pound frame or fire away with his bazooka of an arm, which some scouts suggest is the strongest in the league. He has the ability to make jaws drop by utilizing incredible athleticism for someone his size.
 |
|
JaMarcus Russell
|
As he enters his second season and prepares to become the Raiders’ full-time starter under center, mostly favorable reports out of Oakland make him a tempting fantasy pick, particularly as a backup with a whole lot of upside. Word is Russell thoroughly committed himself to offseason workouts and showed signs of maturity, although he’s still very young, turning 23 on Aug. 9.
The potential is there for a breakout year, but a supporting cast for Russell to throw to isn’t.
The Raiders did Russell a tremendous disservice this offseason when they put together one of the least experienced receiving corps in the league. Aside from the banged-up tandem of Javon Walker and Ronald Curry plus Drew Carter, a disappointment in Carolina, Oakland does not have any other receivers with more than a year of experience.
Walker already was playing on a bad knee, which kept him out of 23 games in the last three years, and he suffered a fractured orbital when he was beaten and robbed after a night of partying in Las Vegas in June. There are concerns that those two injuries could affect Walker throughout the season, and Curry is coming off foot surgery.
Carter, who has never had more than 38 receptions or 517 yards in a season, could very well become Russell’s No. 1 receiver before long.
The Raiders’ staff has high hopes for second-year WR Johnnie Lee Higgins and rookie WRs Chaz Schilens and Arman Shields, but they are still developing. Russell has very few, if any, sure things in his arsenal of pass catchers.
A seasoned veteran, let alone Russell, who has thrown a total of 66 passes in four NFL games, would likely struggle to establish much of a passing game with such a weak group of targets.
This will be a learning year for Russell and his receivers. The offense will mostly rely on the ground game, featuring Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden, to keep the chains moving in ’08.
A year from now, Russell may be worthy of consideration as a starter on some fantasy teams, but this season, avoid him, even as a backup. If your No. 1 quarterback goes down with an injury and leaves you to toss Russell into the mix — in a year where he could throw more interceptions than touchdowns — the results could be disastrous.
|
