Oakland Raiders: Is General Manager Reggie McKenzie Good Or Lucky?
By Jim Vickers
Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie had two of the best draft classes of any franchise in both 2014 and 2015. But heading into the 2016 NFL Draft, he’s basically 2-2 in four years and one question hasn’t been sufficiently answered yet? Is he good or just lucky?
Taking Derek Carr — a franchise quarterback — as a second-round pick in 2014 was an impressive move. Particularly when you consider that highly touted Blake Bortles went to Jacksonville as the third overall selection and Teddy Bridgewater went to the Vikings at No. 32. But McKenzie stood pat and got the best quarterback of the mix.
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Linebacker Khalil Mack was a no-brainer in 2014. He was by far the best player available at No. 5.
Guard Gabe Jackson, who was being referred to as a “road grader,” was remarkably still on the board with the 81st pick. Justin “Jelly” Ellis has exceeded fourth-round choice draft expectations. Yes, 2014 was a heck of a draft.
Of course, wide receiver Amari Cooper was another obvious selection at No. 4 in the 2015 draft. Second rounder Mario Edwards put up 2.5 half sacks and 33 tackles in 14 games last season and third-round selection Clive Walford looks like the tight end of the future.
It appears McKenzie swung and missed with guard Jon Feliciano, but may have hit a homer with linebacker Ben Heeney. Expectations drop off, in my opinion, after the fourth round.
On the flipside, if we take a closer look at McKenzie’s 2012 and 2013 drafts — it’s bust city.
McKenzie’s first selection as the Raiders general manager was third-round pick Tony Bergstrom, who became a backup to center Rodney Hudson and recently left in free agency. Fourth-round selection Miles Burris lasted three seasons before being released and appears to be out of football entirely.
Of the 2012 draft class, not one drafted player remains on the roster. The 2013 draft also went poorly.
McKenzie appeared to outsmart everyone by trading back with Miami from No. 3 to No. 12 and picking up the Dolphins 42nd overall pick.
At the time, it seemed brilliant to take cornerback D.J. Hayden, who was a top prospect until a fluke heart issue sidelined him in college. Now cleared medically, the choice mirrored a move Oakland once made to get running back Michael Bush.
Bush was thought to be a Heisman candidate going into 2006. However, after just 17 carries for 128 yards in the season opener, he suffered a broken leg. Oakland grabbed him as a fourth round steal, knowing he’d need time to regain his form. Bush played well on some poor Raiders squads.
But Hayden has been a disappointment and the 42nd pick, Menelik Watson, appears to be unseated at right tackle by Austin Howard. Third-round linebacker Sio Moore was sent packing last season, playing 12 games for the Colts, and starting none.
The only pleasant surprise of the 2012 draft has been sixth-round running back Latavius Murray, who earned Pro Bowls honors in 2015 for his 1,066-yard rushing season.
In all fairness, McKenzie has put together the foundation of a very good football team that now has playoff expectations. That in and of itself has captured the imagination of football fans.
However, the Raiders need more game-changing talents to become a genuine contender and that success hinges upon the results of the 2016 draft. No pressure. Those results will also be a measure of the true skill of Oakland’s general manager and scouting team.
Basically, McKenzie is 2-2 in drafts and like the Oakland Raiders, doesn’t have a winning record, yet.
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Hopefully, it goes well, and everyone can go out and buy: “In Reggie We Trust” bumper stickers.