JaMarcus Russell Can't Expect Many NFL Teams at Pro Day

It’s been six years since the Oakland Raiders moronically took JaMarcus Russell with the first overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, but now the washed-up former LSU standout is attempting a comeback. Russell will reportedly hold a Pro Day, similar to that of players entering the draft in hopes that an NFL team will attend, like what they see and offer him a second chance. Apparently, Russell had gotten under 300 pounds, but is still a ways away from his goal of 265 before the Pro Day. So he’s making progress in that department, but can Russell really expect many teams to attend his Pro Day, much less offer him a contract?

It’s always surprising to see what quarterback-needy teams will do to try and fill that void. If Russell does indeed get back to 265 pounds and his draft day 40-yard dash time of 4.8 then some desperate team like the Arizona Cardinals might give him one shot if it misses out on a prize like Alex Smith or Matt Flynn. However, don’t expect to see more than a handful of teams at Russell’s Pro Day, if that.

The interesting twist is Cardinals receiver Larry Fitzgerald will catch passes from Russell at his April 10th Pro Day. Now Fitzgerald can make anyone look good because he can catch pretty much any pass thrown in his zip code, so Russell lucked out there, but if any scouts show up, they’ll be looking at more than his bombs to Fitzgerald. Everyone knows Russell can throw the ball 75 yards from his knees, but can he throw it to players on his own team in an NFL game instead of those wearing the opposing team’s jersey? If I’m running an NFL team, I’m not taking the risk to find out, but some team will. The question remains: which one?

Jeric Griffin is the Director of Content for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JericGriffin, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google