Player Spotlight: Russell, McCown, Walter & Culpepper (1 Viewer)

[Jason Wood]

2007 Player Spotlight Series

Over the course of the offseason, we will be evaluating a multitude of players at every fantasy position. One such way we go about that is through the Player Spotlight series. Think of the Spotlights as a permanent record on some of the more intriguing players for the upcoming season. Each Spotlight will be featured in an article on the main website.

Thread Topic: Daunte Culpepper, JaMarcus Russell, Josh McCown & Andrew Walter, QBs, Oakland Raiders

Player Page Link: Daunte Culpepper Player Page

Player Page Link: JaMarcus Russell Player Page

Player Page Link: Josh McCown Player Page

Player Page Link: Andrew Walter Player Page

Each article will include:

Detailed viewpoint from a Footballguys staff member
Highlighted member commentary from the message board threads
FBG Projections
Consensus Member ProjectionsThe Rules

In order for this thread to provide sustainable value, we ask that you follow a few simple guidelines:

Focus commentary on the player in question, and your expectations for said player
Back up your expectations in whatever manner you deem appropriate; avoid posts that simply say "I hate him" or "He's the best"
To be included in the final synopsis and consensus outlook, you MUST provide projections for the playerProjections should include (at a minimum):

For QBs: Passing Yards, Passing TDs, Ints, Rush Yards, Rush TDs
For RBs: Rushes, Rushing Yards, Rush TDs, Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDs
For WRs & TEs: Receptions, Receiving Yards, Receiving TDsBest of Luck and ENJOY!

*** Editor's Note: This Spotlight originally didn't feature discussion of Daunte Culpepper but he was added since the situation is now quite different in Oakland.

 

[sholditch]

Russell should start immediately unless the Raiders are dumb enough to think they have a shot at winning this year. Of course, they could be, but considering the state of the franchise I would expect giving the fans a look at the future would be smart. It'll be a rough year as their line still isn't that great.

2300 yards, 15 Tds, 19 ints

but he will get much better than that in year two. I think he has the potential to put up McNabb-type numbers

 

[Gr00vus]

If the Raiders are smart they'll keep Russell on the sidelines as long as possible - that includes starting Walter ahead of him this year - unless he performs like Dan Marino in the preseason.

I think McCown starts this year, and the Raiders QBs will rank pretty close to dead last in the rankings at the end of the year. Still a bad offensive line, a rookie coach with no head coaching experience, indeed not even head coordinator experience, average or below average skill position players. A recipe for uselessness. Unless you're in a big league or a dynasty league I'd imagine these QBs will be on the waiver wire, unless you get someone who thinks Russell will be another Vince Young (note, he won't be).

 

[shadyridr]

Pretty sure Russell will sit most of the year. Maybe he'll get into the lineup with about 4 games left. Walter is a horrible NFL QB. Has no business starting in the NFL. I expect McCown to get most of the starts before Russell. McCown was a big time passer on Arizona but that was with Fitz and Boldin. The Raiders dont have nearly those weapons and their Oline is the worst in the league. McCown may scramble a bit which could help with their bad Oline and I expect Porter and Curry to put up solid 900 yd type seasons but I dont expect many TD passes for McCown. He is basically undraftable.

McCown:

12 games, 2200 yds, 12 tds, 15 ints, 100 rush yds, 2 tds

 

[rzrback77]

One of the basic NFL truths is that Rookie QBs are not prepared for the speed or sophistication of the position in the NFL and that it takes a couople of years for the game to slow down for them. I just reviewed FBG's current top 13 projected QBs and all but four of them had serious playing time in their rookie season. Several of them were not even first rounders, let alone the first overall pick in the draft.

Oakland is in full-blown rebuild mode. Why would they even consider not playing Jamarcus Russell? If they had an aging veteran, I could see the desire to let him play a game or three and teach Russell by example. But, when I look at the Oakland QB options, there is Andrew Walter and Josh McCown. Walter has played in 13 games and all his career passes were thrown in the disastrous season that was Oakland's worst ever for their offense. He completed 53.3% of his passes for 6.1 ypa and had 3 TDs and 13 ints. He was sacked repeatedly and exhibited no mobility. I can't believe that he will even make it on the roster. Josh McCown has a 57.8% completion rate with a career 6.3 ypa, but has 25 TDs and 29 ints. He has decent mobility, but has started only seven games since 2004 and did not throw a single pass last year for Detroit. Even venturing to compare his athleticism with Jamarcus Russell is laughable.

Russell will likely struggle mightily, but so would McCown and Russell drafted 1st overall is obviously the franchise QB for the Raiders. Get him involved in training camp early and let him know he's starting. Put your confidence in him and watch him grow into the leadership role. There sure are lots of candidates for nice QB2 production available near the end of the draft this year.

Jamarcus Russell 300 completions 540 attempts (55.6%) 3,294 yards (6.1 ypa) 12 TDs 22 ints plus 67 rushes for 268 yards and 4 TDs

Josh McCown backs up Russell and will not play unless Russell is injured

Andrew Walter may get cut, but holding the clipboard and drawing a salary should be his goal

edited for calc problems

 

[LHUCKS]

FWIW I've been hearing from various news sources that McCown will start the majority of the year with spot duty to Russell...I've heard that in three different places I believe.

That's the plan anyhow.

 

[Gr00vus]

FWIW I've been hearing from various news sources that McCown will start the majority of the year with spot duty to Russell...I've heard that in three different places I believe.That's the plan anyhow.

That's what they should do if they're smart. Russell had a nice last 6 weeks of the season and bowl game (against a highly overrated opponent), but he didn't look NFL ready to me. A lot of success chucking and letting his receivers outcompete/overmatch their defenders. If they throw him to the wolves from the start they could do some serious damage to his long term career as he'd most likely have to learn some bad habits just to survive behind that offensive line. The Raiders aren't going anywhere this year, there's no reason to rush this kid into the lineup.

 

[kaso]

I agree with what the last number of posters have said. I think McCown starts at least 13 games this year and plays about 95-97% of those snaps in those games.

Clearly Russell's development, and the Raiders standing late in the season will determine how much of the field he sees in the last part of the season.

In terms of numbers for McCown, I think shadyridr's projections are right on the money.

 

[bcr8f]

Last year was an aberation. I think the Raiders are much better than their record showed. Hell promoting John Shoop to OC was a huge improvement in that offense. I think Russell will play the 2nd half of the season unless McCown does well.

 

[Jason Wood]

This didn't get much discussion when first published, but obviously things have changed dramatically since...

1) Daunte Culpepper is now a Raider (one-year deal)

2) JaMarcus Russell continues to hold out and appears to be far apart with the Raiders front office

So let's change this Spotlight and now focus on what you all think Russell and Culpepper will do

 

[Gr00vus]

I'll stick with my original read above, inserting Culpepper into the depth chart ahead of Russell, but still behind McCown for now. There'll probably be a "competition" between Culpepper and McCown for who the starter is opening day. I'll say it'll be McCown until I see something from Duante.

The only thing really worth noting is that Raider QBs are to be avoided, unless you're in a dynasty thing, then you could think about Russell (I wouldn't, but what the heck).

This offense could really be as bad as it was last year - I'll await the preseason games to see if the turnstyle offensive line has improved before finalizing judgment.

 

[Mr. Bill O'Reilly]

I see McCown starting the whole season and having a better than expected year for what he has around him.

58% 3,400 yards 18 TD's 16 INT's 350 rushing yards 3 TD's

 

[Mr. Bill O'Reilly]

Culpepper will start. I'd give him 3000 yards, 20 TDs and 20 INTs for the season. I can see Russell making his way into games starting at Week 12 and beyond. McCown rolls the No#2 job and Walter gets hurt. Maybe Walter won't get hurt for real, but I think Davis will IR him so he can get paid and get a chance next year as a backup. For all intents and purposes, I think Davis recognizes Walter was sent to the slaughter last year and will remember the kid took a pounding and kept getting back up. Davis is unusually loyal to certain players (James Jett is a brutal example) and I think Walter sticking around thus far is an indicator that Davis likes the kid. He has to like him, because he didn't show all that much for him to be kept. To be fair, Walter does have the physical makeup to be a good NFL QB. Unfortunately, and unlike the 49ers, Davis won't invest in a Trent Dilfer type veteran QB to help his young QBs. Culpepper isn't going to take Russell under his wing. I don't think McCown or Walter had the guidance themselves to help the kid. Sadly enough, the Raiders need a guy like Vince Evans (crafty veteran who doesn't rock the boat and knows his role) more than they need the McCown/Walter two headed backup monster. I can't see Culpepper signing with Oakland, knowing he's got a young coach and a shaky O line without the iron clad guarantee of starting.

I don't think so. Even IF Culpepper starts no way he finishes the season. Bad knee, bad o-line, bad skills.

 

[Jason Wood]

I don't understand why anyone thinks McCown will start, I would be shocked if he makes the roster, because Walter is younger and more equipped to play QB3.

 

[Jeff Tefertiller]

I don't understand why anyone thinks McCown will start, I would be shocked if he makes the roster, because Walter is younger and more equipped to play QB3.

Think about how Millen actually got the better of the Raiders on the deal ....

 

[PACKER 7]

I don't understand why anyone thinks McCown will start, I would be shocked if he makes the roster, because Walter is younger and more equipped to play QB3.

I couldn't agree more. What has McCown done in his career? Virtually nil. He basically was the guy who got the Pack in the playoffs with that great play against Minnesota.As much as I don't like the Raiders, I have to give them big props for signing Culpepper. This is a great move. Also, imo, I think Russell is a big question mark as far as an NFL QB goes. I live in SEC country and have seen him play many games live and on tv.

The guy has ungodly physical talent, but no vision, and he turned the ball over in a lot of key situations. For example, vs. Tennessee last year, LSU was a much better team, but almost (should have) got beat simply b/c Russell didn't protect the football.

I'm not sure how his career will turn out in the NFL, but I thought it was a big reach for the Raiders to go with him at No. 1. He may not even be the best pro QB in that draft.

Again, he has great physical talent, but I can't remember too many QBs that won Super Bowls based on talent. They were good Field Generals too. By having Culpepper this gives the Raiders time to develop Russell's field presence. Also if Culpepper turns out to be as good as I think the Raiders may have struck FA gold.

Culpepper has passed for over 3,000 yds in 4 of his 7 seasons as an NFL QB and 25+ TDs in 3 of those.

He was well on his way in '05 to getting another 3.000 yds before his injury, but his TD totals were low.

Last year, he just came back too soon, imo.

The Raiders should be much improved over last year's team, simply by coaching change alone. Schedule looks favorable for scoring (Lions, Browns, Chiefs, Dolphins, Titans, Texans, Colts, Packers)

I think C-Pep wins the job and keeps it all year...

285/465 3,150 pass yds 21 pass TDs 200 rush yds 2 rush TDs

 

[PahtyTom]

Is McCown a real threat to win this job?

 

[PahtyTom]

Clayton just was on ESPN and said he thinks McCown will be the starter week 1.

 

[faulkfan]

I took Culpepper as the last pick (9.12) in our keep 10 league draft. I figured I'd watch him through the preseason and if he is decent then hold him. If not then I have no qualms about cutting him since I still need a defense.

My reaction thusfar is that he looks like he is the most able QB on the team to go out and give them half a chance to win. I'll give the Oaktown QBs (and I expect it to be DC) 3000yds, 18TDs, 17INTs.