PHOENIX -- It's not unusual that JaMarcus Russell, considered by many scouts to be the top prospect in this year's NFL draft, would visit with representatives from several franchises in the weeks leading up to the lottery.
What might be a bit unusual, however, is that the Washington Redskins are one of the teams that has arranged a visit with the former LSU quarterback.
Russell is scheduled to meet with Redskins coaches and officials on April 10 as part of his pre-draft tour of NFL franchises, ESPN.com has confirmed. But the Redskins already have a young quarterback in two-year veteran and former first-round choice Jason Campbell, and Campbell is expected to be their long-term starter.
That raises questions about the Washington brass' motive in arranging a visit with Russell.
The Redskins own the sixth overall selection in the first round and, during the NFL meetings here earlier this week, spoke with other teams about the possibilities of moving up or down from that slot. The Redskins have formally offered the pick to the Chicago Bears in exchange for two-time Pro Bowl linebacker Lance Briggs and the 31st overall pick.
The meeting with Russell might be little more than due diligence on the part of the Redskins, in the event he somehow falls to their spot. It may be a ruse meant to stir other teams to perhaps deal with Washington, which seems to want to move out of the No. 6 slot. Or, it could represent legitimate interest in Russell -- whose recent campus workout was impressive -- and possible unrest with Campbell.
Campbell, 25, started the final seven games of the 2006 season after not taking a single snap in his 2005 rookie campaign. The former Auburn standout completed 110 of 207 passes for 1,297 yards, with 10 touchdown passes, six interceptions, and a passer rating of 76.5. Washington's staff has lauded Campbell's long-term potential.
In 2005, the Redskins traded a package of three draft choices to Denver to acquire an extra first-round pick, the 25th overall in the draft, to choose Campbell, who was the SEC player of the year in 2004.
Len Pasquarelli is a senior writer for ESPN.com.