Last Raiders No. 1 pick: Revisiting JaMarcus Russell's draft and how QB turned into all-time bust

JUMP TO:

• Last Raiders No. 1 pick
• Why did Raiders draft JaMarcus Russell?
• JaMarcus Russell college stats
• JaMarcus Russell rookie contract
• How long did JaMarcus Russell play for the Raiders?
• JaMarcus Russell legal troubles

Long before they moved to Las Vegas, the Raiders had a chance to reset the franchise with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft. 

After averaging fewer than four wins over the previous four seasons, the Raiders had some reason for hope with a young offensive-minded head coach in Lane Kiffin and the chance to draft a promising quarterback from LSU named JaMarcus Russell.

The pairing of Kiffin and Russell didn't work in any shape or form, however, and it took the franchise several more years to recover at the quarterback position.

Here's a look back at the Raiders' failed selection of Russell.

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Last Raiders No. 1 pick

The Raiders last owned the No. 1 pick in 2007, when they selected QB JaMarcus Russell out of LSU.

The idea of pairing Russell with a highly-regarded offensive coach in Kiffin gave Oakland a reason to be excited after four dismal seasons, but their respective stays were short. Russell never proved to be a capable NFL starter, while Kiffin was fired in an ugly split just weeks into his second season on the job. 

Why did Raiders draft JaMarcus Russell?

Despite his flop in the NFL, Russell wasn't a controversial pick at the time. His arm strength was considered to be outstanding, and his size for the position was ahead of his time. With a rocket of an arm and a strong frame at 6-6, Russell passed the eye test over and over at LSU even without being very mobile.

Russell spent two seasons as a full-time starter at LSU and made starts in three different seasons, so inexperience wasn't a concern. High-level quarterback options in the 2007 draft were also limited outside of Russell. Notre Dame's Brady Quinn surprisingly slid to No. 22, but no one else was considered to be anywhere close to Russell's combination of size and talent. 

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JaMarcus Russell college stats

Russell steadily improved throughout his time at LSU, throwing 28 touchdowns and eight interceptions in his final season with the Tigers. He saw his accuracy improve drastically from year one to year three, and the Raiders hoped his upward trajectory would continue in the NFL.

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JaMarcus Russell rookie contract

Before rookie contracts became standard across the board, Russell and the Raiders struggled to come to terms on a rookie deal. Russell held out all the way through Week 1, until he agreed to a six-year, $68 million rookie deal that ran through the 2012 season.

When Russell was released by the Raiders, the two sides didn't split quietly. The Raiders still owed him $3 million, but Russell claimed he was owed $9 million. The organization, meanwhile, argued it was owed $9.55 million in salary advances back from Russell. 

Russell and the Raiders reached a settlement in 2013, with the franchise giving the former quarterback $3 million four years after his last NFL action. 

How long did JaMarcus Russell play for the Raiders?

Russell only lasted three seasons with the Raiders. He started just one game as a rookie but, despite accuracy issues, showed some glimmers of hope in 2008 when he went 5-10 with 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions in a tough situation. By 2009, however, it became clear there was no path forward for Russell in Oakland. He went 2-7 over nine starts, completing 48.3 percent of passes for three touchdowns and 11 interceptions. The Raiders released Russell in 2010.

Russell's physical tools weren't in doubt when he was drafted, but his lack of passion for football and inability to keep himself in shape are believed to be the two biggest factors in his struggle to stick in the NFL. Russell never played for another NFL team

JaMarcus Russell legal troubles

Russell was arrested in 2010 for possession of illegal codeine syrup in Alabama, though a grand jury later declined to indict him.

In 2024, Russell was sued for allegedly stealing money that was intended for the football program at Williamson High School, where he had been a volunteer assistant coach. Russell lost the case and had to pay back $72,000.