With the 69th pick of the 2005 NFL draft, former ASU quarterback Andrew Walter became a small fish in a big pond.
Walter probably deserved to be drafted higher by a team that needs help at quarterback. He'll likely be third on the Oakland Raiders' depth chart entering his rookie season.
Last off-season, Raiders coach Norv Turner scooped up Kerry Collins, who might have already hit his stride. But the 11-year veteran can make all the throws.
If injuries force Rich Gannon into retirement, Walter still has a dogfight on his hands for the right to be Collins' backup.
Former Washington standout Marques Tuiasosopo has started eight games since being taken in the second round of the 2001 draft. Most of Tuiasosopo's starts came in the 2003 season, when Gannon was sidelined with a shoulder injury.
If the Raiders stick with a West Coast offense, Walter might have to wait for a regime change before he sees significant playing time. Walter can launch the ball down the field, but he's not a scrambler.
If Walter does get a start this season, he should be happy it won't come against the Baltimore Ravens, because former Sun Devil Terrell Suggs has never battled for playing time.
