Sit back and Weight
The Oakland Raiders voluntary minicamp just got underway and to no surprise, second-year quarterback JaMarcus Russell took center stage among the media in attendance.
While some were observing how the 6-foot-6 quarterback performed during the various drills, some were keeping an eye on how well he fit into his red No. 2 jersey.
For all the attention that goes into the former LSU QB's arm -- he apparently didn't show off his cannon with 50-plus yard bombs -- eyes were dead set on his physical stature, namely, his weight.
A few months ago, CNNSI.com had a story about Russell ballooning to a porky 300-plus pounds during the offseason. So it was no surprise that many of the stories on his first voluntary minicamp after the hiatus from the professional football field had to deal with his weight.
Turns out, the "big boy" isn't all that big.
According to Russell, he tipped the scales at 269 pounds Thursday afternoon. And after the recent heat wave that hit California, he probably lost one or two more of that.
Russell also said during the media session afterwards that he would like to lose about five to six more pounds but no more. I saw the pictures of Russell from Media News and the Associated Press wires and believe me, he doesn't appear to be anywhere near the 300-bills mark.
He is a rather large quarterback, his height dictates he should be around the 260-pound range. Reports from various sources (Jerry McDonalds blog -- insidebayarea.com/raiders, Contra Costa Times Raiders' beat writer Steve Corkran and the San Fran Chronicle) have noted Russell appears ready to get into action and even had some shifty moves rolling around the pocket.
According to head coach Lane Kiffin, Russell has spent hours at the facility gearing up for the 2008 season. We'll see if Russell can keep it up. It's a long way til the Raiders play their first game in August during the preseason.
Getting a new 'Mike'?
Free agent linebacker Edgerton Hartwell lined up as middle linebacker during certain portions of the voluntary minicamp. If Hartwell can return to the tackling machine in his Baltimore days, like McDonald said, Oakland has picked up a low cost, low risk player. Placing him at the 'Mike' linebacker spot could allow current middle linebacker Kirk Morrison to move out to strong linebacker where his speed and coverage abilities could help Oakland contain opponents tight ends. A stout run defender when healthy, Hartwell could become the plug in the middle Oakland has sorely missed since the departure of Greg Biekert.
There's the option of moving Hartwell out on the edge.
Currently the spot belongs to Robert Thomas who has done an admirable job despite his measurable talents. While not as fast as fellow LB's Morrison and Howard, Thomas' tackling ability has made up for coverage weakness.
Keep an eye on ...
Rookie free agent Marcel Reece. The 6-foot-3, 240 pound rook out of Washington was a jack-of-all-trades last season. The Hesperia, Calif. native has the size and speed to become a dangerous target at either wide receiver, tight end, or H-back role. Running a 4.46 at his Pro Day, Reece impressed the Raiders' staff during the rookie tryout to garner a contract after not being offered one by the Dolphins.
Finally Free (Safety)
In a move that is better tailored to his abilities, Michael Huff manned the free safety spot at the voluntary camp with free agent addition Gibril Wilson taking the strong safety role. Huff, who is built more like a free safety/cornerback at 6-foot-1 and 205 pounds, was miscast as a strong safety during his NFL career thus far. Far from the hard-hitting ballhawk he was as a Longhorn at Texas, the move to free -- where he should be able to use his athleticism and speed to roam the secondary -- might just be what the doctored ordered to get Huff back to his Longhorn form. He only has one interception his two years with the Raiders since Oakland took him with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2006 Draft.
Local Connection
Rookie free agent linebacker Shane Simmons might be a long shot to make the roster and worse yet, some may wonder who he is. Humboldt State football head coach Rob Smith is quite familiar with Simmons recruiting him to play at Western Washington.