This is what I like about the Oakland Raiders' offseason moves: They were realistic in beginning the massive chore of cleaning up the mess they had become as a team. They started where all franchises that have hit rock bottom must start: Quarterback. Making JaMarcus Russell the top overall pick of the draft was a no-brainer (although it still was met with at least mild surprise in many league circles because of the Oakland Raiders'' tendency to do the unexpected).

The former LSU star might end up starting as a rookie. His incredibly strong arm and remarkable mobility and athleticism for someone who stands 6-foot-5-plus and weighs 256 pounds could allow him to function effectively even as he learns on the job. His poise and fearlessness also would serve him well under such circumstances.

 

Ideally, however, the Oakland Raiders' would like to start Josh McCown, whom they acquired in a trade with the Detroit Lions, while JaMarcus Russell watches and learns. McCown has good size (6-3, 223 pounds) and strength to be a decent pocket passer, but also enough mobility to make plays on the move. He could solidly fill the job for all or part of the 2007 season, depending on when the Oakland Raiders' feel JaMarcus Russell is ready to take over.

The Oakland Raiders' picked up a talented pass-catching tight end in second-round draft choice Zach Miller, a former Arizona State standout. Miller should have an immediate impact by consistently providing an open target. He has tremendous speed, runs excellent routes, and has reliable hands. Besides working from a conventional tight-end spot, Miller also has enough athleticism and versatility to be used as an H-back or even as a wideout.

Free-agent fullback Justin Griffith, formerly of the Atlanta Falcons, should be a nice pass-catching option out of the backfield.

Oakland's running game should be stronger now that Dominic Rhodes, a free agent from the Indianapolis Colts, will alternate with incumbent starter LaMont Jordan. Rhodes' effective pairing with Joseph Addai played a huge role in the Colts' winning the Super Bowl. The Oakland Raiders' also have a nice developmental project at running back in fourth-rounder Michael Bush, a former Louisville star who is recovering from a severely broken leg and could end up as the starter in 2008.

One of the Oakland Raiders'' smarter decisions was signing defensive tackle Terdell Sands to a four-year contract before he could become a free agent. Sands is by far the team's best run-stuffer, although his efforts alone weren't enough to keep the Oakland Raiders' from ranking near the bottom of the league in rushing defense in '06.

This is what concerns me: When a team is trying to pull itself out of the quagmire of a 2-14 season, almost everything is a concern.

At 31, new coach Lane Kiffin is the youngest head coach in modern NFL history. He has rebuilt most of the coaching staff. Kiffin has changed the offensive scheme and will call his own plays. It sounds like a pretty heavy load for someone whose previous gig was as a college (USC) co-offensive coordinator.

The Oakland Raiders' could be tempted to rush JaMarcus Russell into action too soon. They will be paying him massive amounts of money, and it is only natural to want to see the quickest possible return on that investment. Given the prolonged sorry state of the team's quarterback position, there won't be much patience if McCown or anyone else not named JaMarcus Russell filling the spot should struggle.

The Oakland Raiders' still don't know exactly what they have in left offensive tackle Robert Gallery, the second overall pick of the 2004 draft. Although the multiple changes in coaching and schemes have not helped his development, Gallery should have displayed more promise up to this point. It might very well be that he is simply a bust.