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Lane Kiffin wanted the Oakland Raiders to draft wide receiver Calvin Johnson with the first overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft, instead of JaMarcus Russell. He also, at one point during the pre-draft process, expressed interest in quarterback Brady Quinn.
Kiffin "begged" then-Raiders owner Al Davis to draft Johnson, arguing that Russell wasn't ready for the pressure and contract that came with being the first pick. Kiffin felt Johnson was the best receiver prospect he had ever seen and would be an all-time great. Part of Kiffin's reasoning for not needing a quarterback was his belief that the Raiders could sign veteran free agent quarterback Jeff Garcia.
Ultimately, Davis was set on Russell after watching his performance in the Sugar Bowl. The Raiders selected Russell, while Johnson was drafted by the Detroit Lions with the very next pick and went on to have a Hall of Fame career.

Welcome to Baton Rouge Coach Kiffin! GEAUX TIGERS.

This post was edited on 12/2/25 at 11:09 am

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Posted by TopekaTiger

Member since Nov 2018

354 posts

Posted on 12/2/25 at 9:08 am to Excalibur33

Kiffin has an eye for talent. Exciting times

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Posted by Tifway419

Member since Sep 2022

1689 posts

Posted on 12/2/25 at 9:21 am to Excalibur33

Not that Lane would have declined the job, but Al Davis told Lane he would have the keys to the Ferrari and would have a say in the Draft.

On Draft night, Al Davis completely dismissed Lane’s input, drafted the biggest bust in NFL history, then fired Lane partly (mainly) because he wasn’t winning with a busted QB that Lane didn’t even want.

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Posted by JimTiger72

Member since Jun 2023

15807 posts

Posted on 12/2/25 at 9:25 am to Excalibur33

Totally forgot that Lane was Jabarcus’s coach. He’s been around the program in the recent past. Hope he’s a fan of Kiffin

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Posted by mikecno

Houston, TX

Member since Feb 2011

1950 posts

Posted on 12/2/25 at 9:34 am to Excalibur33

Al Davis was a scumbag...no one should pay attention to anything he ever said

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Posted by 4x4tiger

Louisiana

Member since Feb 2006

5079 posts

Posted on 12/2/25 at 10:49 am to Excalibur33

Megatron....damn he was fun to watch. Especially when he was on my fantasy team

This post was edited on 12/2/25 at 10:50 am

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Posted by MRTigerFan

Baton Rouge

Member since Sep 2008

6321 posts

Posted on 12/2/25 at 10:55 am to 4x4tiger

quote:
Megatron....damn he was fun to watch. Especially when he was on my fantasy team

Back in August I had high hopes for TreDez to develop into what Megatron once was. Physically they are very similar. Although that hope has faded somewhat after this lackluster season, I now have renewed optimism that Lane can make the most of TreDez's potential. I'm excited to see what he does next year.

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