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Con: Commitment to Russell will hamper Raiders' future
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The odds are against JaMarcus Russell being the savior for the Oakland Raiders franchise.
Like Heisman Trophy winners, No. 1 NFL draft picks are no guarantees as difference-makers in pro football.
In the 72-year history of the NFL draft, only 10 players selected No. 1 overall had Hall of Fame careers.
Even over the past two decades, when evaluating talent has gone high-tech with combines and individual tryouts, 11 No. 1 draft picks never made it to the Pro Bowl. Didn't lead their teams to NFL championships.
You know some of the names: Tim Couch. David Carr. Dan Wilkinson.
There have been exceptions, of course.
John Elway. Bruce Smith. Terry Bradshaw. Troy Aikman. Peyton Manning.
So with the odds being less than 50-50 that a No. 1 draft pick will lead your downtrodden team to the Super Bowl — ever — why make the huge financial commitment to someone who's never played a down of pro football.
The Raiders reluctantly signed a $61 million contract with Russell. The sticking point was a clause that guaranteed the quarterback $29 million if he is injured or unable to perform up to standards.
Cut him if he proves to be a dud in the first workout, but you gotta pay the price for choosing him first.
Russell isn't the first to demand that guarantee. He won't be the last.
Because Russell and his agent held out for the guaranteed money, the quarterback missed the entire preseason camp and opening week. It's likely that a third — or more — of the NFL season will go by before Russell is able to get his first start for the Raiders. And that's the best-case scenario.
That big contract could have a negative trickle-down effect on the rest of the Raiders organization. Because Oakland will be paying him handsomely over the length of his contract, it will mean, because of salary-cap restrictions, owner Al Davis won't be able to plug holes in his roster with quality athletes.
That draft picks can get away with holding owners hostage is wrong.
Maybe I'm old school, but I believe you should prove you can perform before you get paid the big bucks.
— Derry Eads is a staff writer. His e-mail address is deads@VenturaCountyStar.com.
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