it might not be very likely, but it'd deffinately possible. russell is considered by many to be very raw and that might push the top picks to select someone who's more refined and in their opinions a "sure fire" pick. as with toro's possibility, i think if russell gets past oakland (which is very possible considering the moss & porter situations), he's likely to fall to the later part of the top 10.
He is still very raw and unpolished, which is why I think a team looking for a QB would go with Quinn first.. I can't envision him falling beyond the Dolphins at 9 though.
Raiders signed aaron brooks last year and appear to still hope walter can play ... still the obvious frontrunner however since al davis wants a vertical offense and enjoys the rawest of talents. you never know with the raiders though, they could pick anyone
I got to see some of Walter's play at Arizona State, and I honestly do think the Raiders could have the vertical offense that Al Davis salivates over. Problem was, he had two malcontents at WR who stopped trying altogether and backups who are backups for a reason.. Also, that offensive line is a pathetic mess, which leads me to believe that if Johnson's not the pick, Thomas MIGHT be, but I can't see them spending a #1 overall on a OLineman. Thus, I think that Johnson, who is a quicker and taller Larry Fitzgerald (who Al Davis LOVED but was talked out of selecting), is a can't miss pick and one who fits a need moreso than a QB would.
Lions have kitna who put up 4000+ yards and have josh mccown as a backup, but are a consideration for russell. recent drafts might have them forced to go defense, however with millen around he could very well pick CJ, peterson, quinn or russell ... they're as crazy to predict as the raiders.
With Matt Millen, who the hell knows where they'll go.
Honestly speaking, what the Lions NEED is Offensive Line help and defense, specifically in the secondary.
As you mentioned, Kitna did throw for 4,000 yards and both Josh McCown and Dan Orlovski are better than advertised.
What is specific is the fact that last year the Lions secondary was a joke and their Oline couldn't block swiss cheese. Kitna was sacked I believe 50 + times last year and Kevin Jones had the worst statistical season of his career. Believe this or not, some mocks have had the Lions selecting a WR (how funny that'd be), although I actually think the Furrey- Williams duo is just fine. Nonetheless, based off needs, Thomas fills a big hole for them, unless they trade down for someone looking to get Quinn, Thomas, Russ or Peterson.
Browns might look to quinn or AP, although they're probably scouting russell pretty thoroughly. if russell gets here, he'd be a heavy consideration since the best qb they have is charlie frye
How lucky would Cleveland be here? Suppose Brady Quinn and Adrian Peterson both fall to 3.. The Browns really don't have an answer long term or for the present at QB and Ruben Droughns is... welll.. Ruben Droughns.
I think even IF Russell falls, this pick comes down to Quinn or Peterson (barring neither are taken), and the reason I pencil in Quinn is because the Browns not only need a QB, but they need a franchise face, which Brady will fill the role of.. The two determining factors that will play themselves out here are the friendship between Charlie Weis and Romeo Crennell, where Crennell will have an old friend to turn to, one who won't blow smoke up his ass about Quinn's high points and low points. It also doesn't hurt that Quinn is an Ohio native, who can be a popular draw around the state and steal some of the thunder from Palmer in Cincinnati.
Bucs have simms, gradkowski, rattay, & mccown (not likely)
Depending on how sold they are on Chris Simms (they just re-signed him, so they must be somewhat sold that he'll be able to recover from his injuries last year), the Bucs COULD go with Russell here.. But, I think they've got too many other holes to fill. I can see them addressing the QB in Rounds 2 or 3, but with the top pick, they need to get some help on that aged defense. Never thought we'd say that 5 years ago huh? Bucs need defensive help in Round One.. Age can break a team REAL quick. Also, in the Peterson watch, there's zero chance they take Peterson, with Williams as their HB of the here, now and long term future.
Arizona has leinhart (no chance)
Dead on. The Cardinals will not be selecting Leinart, nor will they be selecting Adrian Peterson (there's a lot of locals here who are suggesting they SHOULD).. And if by stroke of luck, Calvin Johnson falls, there's equally the same chance Arizona takes him as I have of winning the lottery.
Skins have campbell & brunell (almost no chance)
I guarantee you, the Skins won't take Russell or Peterson here.
Minnesota has tarvaris jackson & brad johnson (almost no chance)
See above. The Viking FO is in love with Jackson and also really favor Chester Taylor. No chance here.
So.. by my assessment, one or BOTH could fall to Houston at 8 and it wouldn't surprise me. Honestly, I could see someone maybe trading up to get him, but with noone having a second first rounder to make the deal worthwhile, I see everyone standing pat.
I know some here will say "no chance" of one or the other falling to 8, but what chance did Matt Leinart have of falling to Arizona at this time last year?