JaMarcus Russell
With the first overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, the Oakland Raiders selected JaMarcus Russell, quarterback out of LSU. At six-foot-six and 265 pounds, Russell was “a rare combination of size and arm strength” said then Cleveland Browns General Manager Phil Savage. Coming off of a Sugar Bowl where he was named MVP, multiple teams were expecting Russell to go first overall, and unfortunately for the Raiders, he did.
After being drafted, Russell held out signing for the Raiders until they agreed to a $61 million with $32 million guaranteed contract. Russell played in four games his rookie season, only starting one of them. He finished his rookie season 36-for-66, 373 yards, two touchdowns and four interceptions, along with four fumbles. His career never took off, despite being named the Raiders 2008 starter.
Russell finished his career just after three season in Oakland, compiling a record of 7-18 as a starter, and with such a high price tag, earned himself the role as one of the biggest “busts” in NFL history.