Tom Martinez talks to the Raiders about JaMarcus Russell (Good read)

[madstork]

So Martinez specifically advised that he should play lighter and he showed up at the combine heavier? I don't want to overanalyze but that's not a good sign in my opinion.

[Raider5000]

Originally Posted by Cotillion

I still laugh when people try and convince themselves we're drafting YET ANOTHER WR.

me too....were not getting Calvin...he is a great Talent...but its not happening.....JR BABY!

[Raiders40]

Originally Posted by RaiderInNY

Good stuff...

I hope Lane and staff stay around for 4+ years to provide that!

[SF Mikey]

Originally Posted by OWShaddock

Good post.
Gallery (and Grove, for that matter) is exactly who I thought of when I read that paragraph. These guys have been ripped mercilessly around here, and to some extent it may be deserved. But by and large, the Raiders organization have made it very difficult, if not impossible, for those two to succeed. Position changes, technique changes, scheme changes, etc. have totaled up to these two being extremely messed up players. Hopefully the turnaround starts with Tom Cable.

By the way ... Martinez mentioned Russell's weight and consistency issues. He must be a "hater."

The way that I view Martinez's assessment is that I assume that he was a paid consultant for this gig - not exactly an unbiased observer. I find it hard to believe that he would publicly be critical of Russell or any QB for that matter. Therefore, I would put Martinez's semi-public statements in the same light as Weis's prediction that Quinn will be one of the top 3 QBs in the NFL.

If Martinez mentioned Russell's weight issues publicly - I can only imagine what his private thoughts are on the manner. I love Russell's overall game but his lack of conditioning scares the hell out of me. Tom Brady lifts weights with his OL and Manning puts his time in at the weight room as well. Russell will find that he can't just show up in the NFL and get by on superior talent alone.

[crizpynutz]

Sounds good...just need to keep looking at these guys and figure out who's the right fit... Quinn, Russell either would make me happy on draft day...

[The Shocker]

Thanks 40, i think russel needs to get his playing weight to 250. I doubt we choose russel however.

[cat444]

if we take a qb we must pick russell, but still doubt davis will pick a qb in first round, petersen and johnson was so good at the combine i cannot imagine davis pass on johnson and petersen. also raiders won Sb with plunkett and stabler at qb and also gannon bring us to a Sb and all 3 was not big arm. lamonica, schroeder and georges had strong arm and won nothing with us

[tatalalicious]

If Russell can get and stay in top condition I think there is no better option for the Raiders. Even if AP and CJ turn out to be as good as advertised, they cannot have nearly the positive impact a potential franchise QB can have on the future success of the Raiders.

[FrAnChIzE Bo1]

JR iz the Truth

[yoda]

i think the fact that they asked martinez about russell and that kiffin's friends are saying he's thinking russell along with carroll thinking russell is a better fit inclines me to believe we're taking russell. at this point, i'll take russell, or peterson or even thomas. if we keep moss and draft calvin johnson, that would put curry in the fourth receiver slot and morant further down. i don't see it happening unless we get rid of moss.

[RealRaider]

Martinez said just what he was paid to say.

[Raider Loyalist]

Originally Posted by madstork

So Martinez specifically advised that he should play lighter and he showed up at the combine heavier? I don't want to overanalyze but that's not a good sign in my opinion.

Im glad im not the only one who was thinkin' that........well stated.

[OWShaddock]

Originally Posted by tatalalicious

If Russell can get and stay in top condition I think there is no better option for the Raiders. Even if AP and CJ turn out to be as good as advertised, they cannot have nearly the positive impact a potential franchise QB can have on the future success of the Raiders.

The question isn't whether he can get in top condition. He's a 21-year-old athlete. He could easily.
The question is will he get in top condition. Frankly, it's not a question that should not have to be asked of someone in his position, and the fact he appeared at the Combine out of shape is a red flag. Not enough of a red flag to scratch him off the draft list, but certainly enough to put him under the microscope when it comes to examining his work ethic and dedication to the game.

[NWTF]

Originally Posted by OWShaddock

The question isn't whether he can get in top condition. He's a 21-year-old athlete. He could easily.
The question is will he get in top condition. Frankly, it's not a question that should not have to be asked of someone in his position, and the fact he appeared at the Combine out of shape is a red flag. Not enough of a red flag to scratch him off the draft list, but certainly enough to put him under the microscope when it comes to examining his work ethic and dedication to the game.

good post

[Karl]

Originally Posted by OWShaddock

The question isn't whether he can get in top condition. He's a 21-year-old athlete. He could easily.
The question is will he get in top condition. Frankly, it's not a question that should not have to be asked of someone in his position, and the fact he appeared at the Combine out of shape is a red flag. Not enough of a red flag to scratch him off the draft list, but certainly enough to put him under the microscope when it comes to examining his work ethic and dedication to the game.

I think it's enough of a red flag to drop him off our draft list, but not out of the first round.