Russell Locks Up Top Spot After Workout

LSU QB JaMarcus Russell all but locked up the number one slot in the 2007 NFL Draft after an impressive performance at LSU's Pro Day workouts.

Russell had the contingent of Oakland Raiders officials drooling over his size, athleticism, arm strength and speed.

Russell, listed at 6-6 and 260 pounds, has a cannon for an arm and ran the 40 in 4.83. He is considered remarkably strong for a quarterback, with great balance, quickness, agility - all the skills that make him the overwhelming favorite and near cinch to the first overall pick on in the draft.

The Raiders are enamored not just with Russell's ability to throw the long ball, but to make every type of throw -- short ones, midrange ones and especially the deep ones.

If he wasn't a bona fide lock at No.1 pick before his Pro Day - he is now. Does that make him the best QB in the draft? Maybe.

Does it guarantee Russell future superstar status? No. He has all the physical tools, there's no questioning that. But he does have weaknesses.

He still needs to improve his decision-making process. He has a tendency to lock onto his primary target at times and will throw into double-coverage too frequently. He has a tendency to just flick his wrist instead of stepping into his throws, and that's when his accuracy suffers.

Russell played in a pretty simple offensive scheme at LSU and some question whether he'll be able to pick up a complicated NFL offense right away.

He has all the tools, but in the NFL Draft nothing is a 100 percent assured. He could become a great player or he could be a huge bust. Only time will tell. But one thing is certain - Russell will be the first name called by NFL commish Roger Goodall on April 28.