Hey, what about this guy?

I know everyone here is going to think I'm crazy for this... BUT, check it out.

[h=1]NFL draft bust JaMarcus Russell is attempting a comeback
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nfl-s...l-attempting-nfl-comeback-043914730--nfl.html[/h]




If he truly has been humbled by what happened in the past, he might be worth a look to backup Ben. I've heard all the stories... but I always wondered what his career may have been like if he had gone to a team with a good locker room. A guy with issues like him, the Raiders were probably the worst case scenario.

All I'm saying is it wouldn't hurt to give him a look to see if he's in shape before camp, and if he is, bring him in. He'd cost close to nothing. The team brings in a couple of camp arms every season anyway who have no shot at making the roster. Let him come in a work with a professional like Charlie Batch, and see what he does.

 

I'd also like to throw in (because I know what the reaction to this post is going to be), everyone is always so against this stuff, but why? The worst case scenario is he looks like garbage and you cut him in training camp. I thought the same thing with Vontaze Burfict last season (who I think is a very good comparison) and he ended up being a star for the Bengals this year.

 

He will need to show some serious self-motivation and lose a ton of weight before even sniffing the field again. Mike & Mike said he weighed 325. He's now down to 305. His playing weight was 265. Dude had some serious raw physical talent but I don't know if he is cerebral enough to make it as an NFL QB.

 

he went to that guy that trains casey in the offseason.

 

Maybe hes trying to fill in for Casey.

With the right program and right trainer, 40 lbs would be no problem.

 

Lets see what Tim Couch is doing while we're at it...

 

I'd be all for it. With Colon, Starks and Foster all possibly gone, we'll need some depth on our offensive line.

 

Bringing in someone like that would cause a big distraction, and a media circus. I dont think the Rooney's want that, and I sure don't as a fan.

 

Im ok with Tim Couch as a backup he was a stud at UK

 

Good Luck to him... but even though he had a big arm he was very inaccurate with his throws and slow to go through his different routes post-snap... can you teach that? Maybe a little, but I doubt enough to make him a starting QB?

 

My thoughts exactly.... i knew despite his physical talents that he wouldn't make it.... he was far too inconsistant in college and relied too much on his physical gifts to get him by, rather than spending some actual time refining his craft..... at his current age i'm not sure anything new can be taught.

 

Instead of getting another first round bust that has no upside and is as good as he's ever going to be how about a young guy in a later round of the draft that may have some upside?

 

It wouldn't harm to work him out somewhere quietly. See what he looks capable of, and then make a decision PRIOR to getting to camp. That is called "due diligence"

 

Gotcha!

In all seriousness, we ought to stay as far away from this guy as we can. Once a headcase always a headcase!

 

thanks i'll keep charllie.. we already got 2 fat out of shape players ( dwyer and woodley) ..dont need a 3rd

HINES

 

I hope we draft a QB with some potential. One thing I'm encouraged by is that there seems to be an abundance of promising QBs who may be available in rounds 3 through 6 this year.

 

He really wasnt very good when he was in shape...

 

Sweet jebus I would rather have Tebow. And I do NOT want Tebow. What is it about not playing for 4 years that makes people think he will be good now? He managed to pass Ryan Leaf as the worst draft pick EVER

 

I can understand why people would be against it...

But to answer your question. Like I mentioned in the first post... Russel had a bad work ethic and went into the worst possible locker room for him. I read a story recently that said Charles Woodson was let go from Oakland in part because he had a bit of an attitude problem and the coaching staff said he didn't want to work, he wanted to just perform with his natural talent... They said when he got to Green Bay and worked with a bunch of winners it completely changed him, and now he's one of the hardest working players in the league... He'd have to be to still be playing at 37 years old.

I'm not saying Russel would be that, but my point is being around professionals who do it the right way can really change a guy for the better. Jamarcus has talent. Brian Billick once said that when he evaluated Jamarcus when he was with the Ravens, they had given him the highest grade they had EVER given a player. The Raiders are known for terrible drafting, but that year Russel was the consensus #1 pick. Vontaze Burfict was said to be lazy, overweight, etc and many said he DIDNT have the raw talent, he was too slow... but he was a stud this season.

There's a lot of if's but I'm saying Steelers locker room + Renewed "want" in Russell + his natural ability could mean a very solid backup option for Ben (and maybe trade bait down the road, who knows).

I understand it's a huge long shot, but my point is you A. work him out in a couple months to see where his weight is, and if he's really changed. If not, you walk away, no harm done. If his weight is down and looks like he might be worth a roster spot then you bring him to camp at a vet minimum and let him fight it out the same as any other guy we've brought in before.

 

Speaking of Ryan Leaf, he'll be available in 3 to 5 with good behavior. He hasn't taken a bunch of big hits and, I'm sure, he'd work cheap!

 

Shaping up to play in the Arena league.

 

Once a headcase always...what is Vince Young doing? I bet he could be had cheap and is probably right at playing weight!