With ESPN’s John Clayton reporting that Oakland is preparing to cut quarterback JaMarcus Russell, ESPN Stats & Information came up with several great charts that illustrate that Russell just may be the worst draft pick of all time. Russell was the No. 1 overall pick in 2007.
Since the start of the common draft in 1967, 17 QBs have been drafted first overall (not including Sam Bradford in 2010). Among those 17, Russell is either last or second-to-last in career completion percentage, passing yards per game, and passer rating.
Lowest Career Comp Pct., QB Drafted No. 1 Overall (Since 1967)
Lowest Career Pass YPG, QB Drafted No. 1 Overall (Since 1967)
Lowest Career Passer Rating, QB Drafted No. 1 Overall (Since 1967)
In 2009, Russell finished with a passer rating of 50.0 and completed 48.8 percent of his passes. Among non-rookie QBs to throw at least 200 passes in a season, Russell is just the fifth to have a passer rating and completion percentage less than or equal to 50.0 in the last 30 years.
Since the start of the common draft in 1967, 17 QBs have been drafted first overall (not including Sam Bradford in 2010). Among those 17, Russell is either last or second-to-last in career completion percentage, passing yards per game, and passer rating.
Lowest Career Comp Pct., QB Drafted No. 1 Overall (Since 1967)
- Terry Bradshaw: 51.9 (1970)
- JaMarcus Russell: 52.1 (2007)
- Jim Plunkett: 52.5 (1971)
- Matthew Stafford: 53.3 (2009)
Lowest Career Pass YPG, QB Drafted No. 1 Overall (Since 1967)
- JaMarcus Russell: 131.7 (2007)
- Michael Vick: 134.8 (2001)
- David Carr: 157.9 (2002)
- Alex Smith: 163.5 (2005)
Lowest Career Passer Rating, QB Drafted No. 1 Overall (Since 1967)
- Matthew Stafford: 61.0 (2009)
- JaMarcus Russell: 65.2 (2007)
- Jim Plunkett: 67.5 (1971)
- Alex Smith: 69.2 (2005)
In 2009, Russell finished with a passer rating of 50.0 and completed 48.8 percent of his passes. Among non-rookie QBs to throw at least 200 passes in a season, Russell is just the fifth to have a passer rating and completion percentage less than or equal to 50.0 in the last 30 years.
- JaMarcus Russell, OAK: 2009
- Craig Whelihan, SD: 1998
- Rusty Hilger, DET: 1988
- Vinny Testaverde, TB: 1988
- Mark Malone, PIT: 1987
Bill Williamson | email
NFL- ESPN AFC West Blogger
- Spent four seasons covering the Broncos for the Denver Post
- Previously covered Vikings, Packers, Seahawks
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Bill Williamson
Williamson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Denver Broncos for the Denver Post. He previously covered the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.
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