Mel Kiper Jr. Waxing Poetic About JaMarcus Russell [VIDEO]

ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr. didn't exactly make an accurate prediction about former Oakland Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell during the 2007 NFL Draft.

Mel Kiper Jr's assessment of JaMarcus Russell during the 2007 NFL Draft wasn't exactly his shining moment.  Let's just say that Kiper's vision of Russell's potential was a bit off the mark.  Kiper mentioned that JaMarcus Russell would, "Immediately energize that Raider Nation.  Three years from now you could be looking at a guy who's certainly one of the elite top-five quarterbacks in this league.  The skill level that he has certainly is John Elway-like."

Yikes, Mel.  Watch from the :55-second mark to 1:37.  It's pure gold.  If Mel saw a replay of this, he'd probably think, "Yeesh!  I was a tiny bit off on that one."  However, Mel's incorrect prediction doesn't prove that he's an idiot.  Mel Kiper Jr. is one of the smartest draft analysts in the business.  It proves that it's much easier to assess the past than predict the future. 

Russell only started 25 games in his career.  He was notorious for being lazy and played his last game in the NFL at the age of 24.  Russell threw 18 touchdowns and 23 interceptions in his career.  I'll be watching the first round of the NFL Draft this evening to see if Mel waxes poetic about Andrew Luck, RGIII, or any other quarterback.  You can also listen to coverage of the 2012 NFL Draft tonight beginning at 7pm on 104.5 The Team, ESPN Radio.

Brian Noe is the Program Director at 104.5 The Team, ESPN Radio in Albany, NY.  Brian also hosts “The Noe Show” each weekday from 1-3pm ET on WTMM.