Scouts Inc. Breaks Down Recent Raiders #1 Picks

CB Nnamdi Asomugha is the only first-round pick to really get excited about on the Raiders’ list. While the jury is obviously still out on QB JaMarcus Russell, the future of Oakland’s franchise is lying squarely on his shoulders. These selections explain why the Raiders have fallen on tough times of late.

Oakland RaidersYearPlayerPickVerdictBottom Line2007JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU1Russell failed to live up to the expectations of a No. 1 pick thanks, in part, to his reporting to preseason camp late and not getting up to speed until the season had already started.2006Michael Huff, S, Texas7It is too early to write off Huff, but so far he has not been the difference-maker Oakland envisioned.2005Fabian Washington, CB, Nebraska23Washington is a good young player who is better versus the pass than the run. He is still a talented player with good cover skills, but might be best suited as a No. 3 or No. 4 corner.2004Robert Gallery, OT, Iowa2Gallery could have easily been considered a monumental flop until the new staff came in and moved him to guard, where he seems more at home. But, he still hasn’t lived up to expectations.2004Nnamdi Asomugha, CB, California31Asomugha is one of the brightest spots on a team in disarray. He is one of the biggest corners in the league and if he can continue to develop his skills should be a force for years to come.2003Tyler Brayton, DE, Colorado32Brayton plays with a high motor and great durability, but isn’t flashy — just consistent. He was a solid defender in the Raiders’ defense but was recently signed by the Panthers.2002Phillip Buchanon, CB, Miami (Fla.)32Buchanon never developed into the shutdown corner the Raiders envisioned when they selected him in the first round.2002Napoleon Harris, LB, Northwestern23Harris is a big, physical inside linebacker who can take on blocks in the running game, while possessing the play speed to be on the field during third down.2001Derrick Gibson, S, Florida State28There isn’t much good to say about Gibson’s short stay in the NFL. He was viewed by many as a do-it-all prospect, but fizzled out abruptly.2000Sebastian Janikowski, K, Florida State17He has been a solid NFL kicker over his career. He has a big-time leg and if he didn’t attempt so many 50-plus-yard field goals his percentage would be better.

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http://www.raidersgab.com/2008/04/24/scouts-inc-breaks-down-recent-raiders-1-pick
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