January 25, 2013; Ko Olina, HI, USA; AFC wide receiver Andre Johnson of the Houston Texans (80) looks on during practice at AFC media day for the 2013 Pro Bowl at the JW Marriott Ihilani Resort. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

With three days left until Roger Goodell is booed off the stage at the 2013 NFL Draft, I decided to analyze the number three picks of the last decade. Of course the Oakland Raiders are up to bat at number three in 2013, and Reggie McKenzie is set on finding a cornerstone.

2003 – WR, Andre Johnson (Miami (FLA))

Andre Johnson has been a polarizing figure for the Texans ever since he arrived. When people think of the Houston Texans, Johnson comes to mind. One of the league’s most talented players, Johnson has helped turn what was once a newborn expansion team into a formidable foe. Today Johnson battles injuries, but at full speed and equipped with a capable quarterback in Matt Shaub he is still as dangerous as a deathclaw in an elevator.

Fun Fact – Carson Palmer was the number one pick.

2004 – WR, Larry Fitzgerald (Pittsburgh)

This receiver has become a household name as one of the best at what he does. His great size and speed has made for some of the NFL’s best circus grabs ever. Whether it is Kurt Warner or Kevin Kolb at quarterback, Fitz makes plays. In 2009 the long time Arizona Cardinal brought his team to their first ever Super Bowl. Fitzgerald played outstanding, including a 64 yard touchdown snag and run. This receiver is sure to go down as one of the best, compared to the likes of Jerry Rice and Calvin Johnson Jr.

Fun Fact – Robert Gallery was picked at number two. Another great pickup Al.

2005 – WR, Braylon Edwards (Michigan)

With all these receiver picks, one would think the Detroit Lions draft third every year. This former Wolverine standout has not lived up to expectations. Drafted by the Browns, Braylon has bounced around the league and landed with the Vikings after his latest stint with the Jets. Edwards still has his day, but the number three pick has never played like a true number three pick.

Fun Fact – Antrel Rolle is probably the best pick in the top ten. He was number eight. #baddraftclass

2006 – QB, Vince Young (Texas)

This former Titan drafted quarterback, has had more issues then Playboy Magazine. Between mental breakdowns and throwing his shoulder pads into the crowd during games, Young has not lived up to his draft status. Ironically after a couple stints as a mediocre backup, Young has found himself in talks with the Raiders. The former Longhorn claims he has renewed his ability on the field but still proves to be a risk.

Fun Fact – Brandon Mashall fell to pick 119 in this draft.

2007 – OT, Joe Thomas (Wisconsin)

One of the best lineman in the NFL today, was selected by the Cleveland Browns at number three. The 6-time Pro Bowler has become a building stone for this franchise to work off of, and is one of very few players whom have made said Pro Bowl every year of their career. In 2012, Thomas protected quarterback Brandon Weeden and allowed a personal best, 3.5 sacks.

Fun Fact – The era of Jamarcus Russell.

2008 – QB, Matt Ryan (Boston College)

Matty Ice is another number three standout. The quarterback is currently a key part of one of the NFL’s deadliest offenses. A team that features an exciting young running back and in my opinion, the absolute best receiving corps in the league. Leave Matt Ryan 20 seconds on the clock and the Atlanta Falcons will find themselves in field goal range with 3 seconds left. This team will be a future contender for the Lombardi for the next decade with Matt Ryan at the helm.

Fun Fact – The first two picks both shared the name Long (Jake Long/Chris Long).

2009 – DE, Tyson Jackson (Louisiana State)

Jackson, who originally held out his rookie season, has not lived up to his draft status. This end was brought in to Kansas City to usher in the Chief’s new 3-4 defense. Mediocre play has lead to Jackson being labeled as a work in progress.

Fun Fact – Could have pick B.J. Raji who fell to the ninth pick.

2010 – DT, Gerald McCoy (Oklahoma)

McCoy was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In his rookie season McCoy tore his left bicep, resulting in his placement on the Injured Reserve. After fully recovering from his injury McCoy became a force to be reckoned with on the Buc’s defensive line. In 2012 he found himself being selected to his first ever Pro Bowl.

Fun Fact – Picked after Ndamukong Suh

2011 – DT, Marcell Dareus (Alabama)

Dareus became a threat for the Buffalo Bills. In his rookie season the defensive tackle recorded 5.5 sacks. However, in the 2012 season the Bill suffered tremendous tragedy when he lost his brother in a shooting. Dareus has yet to show if he will truly live up to his draft status as a number three overall pick.

Fun Fact – Picked in between Von Miller and A.J. Green

2012 – RB, Trent Richardson (Alabama)

Roll Tide. Another member of the Crimson tide was chosen at number three in 2012. Despite Dareus’s NFL career being a work in progress, Trent Richardson has most definitely lived up to his draft status. Running behind former number three pick Joe Thomas, this Cleveland Brown has made Cleveland rock again. His rookie season featured him pushing off fearsome defenses like the Steelers and Ravens. No easy task for a rookie. The future of this franchise will rely a lot on this kids shoulder pads.

Fun Fact – The top 4 draft picks of this class all proved their worth. (Andrew Luck, Robert Griffith 3, Trent Richardson, Matt Kalil)

Well, there you have it. A decade of the number three. Some good, some bad, some ugly. Just remember the good thing about picking third. At least Jamarcus Russell, Ryan Leaf, and David Carr are already picked.

Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

Who says there is no intensity in the preseason? Certainly not Matt Leinart who was roughed up in his unceremonious NFL homecoming last week in Arizona.

Leinart left the Raiders second preseason game with a finger injury but at the time that seemed the least of Oakland’s concerns for their backup QB. Cardinals’ defensive tackle Ricky Lumpkin laid a lick on Leinart that came far too close to the head leaving the former Trojan dazed. Leinart would be carted off the field seemingly suffering a concussion.

In the end it was a digit on Leinart’s non-throwing hand that got the worst of the collision. However it’s Lumpkin’s checkbook that took the biggest hit.

Having spent last season on the practice squad in Arizona, Lumpkin is no doubt hungry to make the 53-man. Perhaps a little too overzealous, Lumpkin’s shot on Leinart will cost him $21,000. That might be chump change to a lot of NFLers but for a guy trying to earn the league minimum it represents a large chunk of a check he doesn’t even have.

So next time you get on your high horse about how much money these guys make keep in mind that jobs are on the line in the preseason. They might be high paying jobs but we’re talking about a line of work for which there are a finite amount of opportunities. Lumpkin’s desire to earn a fulltime football gig might just have written a check his account can’t cash but it will be well worth it if he gets the job. At least until the league starts collection on what he owes it will be.

Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

Dennis Allen has certainly brought more discipline to the Oakland Raiders as promised. However what’s lacking is the trademark Commitment to Excellence. That is very clear after two disappointing preseason losses with last night’s 31-27 effort against Arizona showcasing many of the problems that must be addressed.

At the top of the list of concerns is Carson Palmer. Palmer remains plagued by moments of madness that almost always result in costly turnovers. We saw that in his brief appearance against Dallas and for good measure we got the same showing during an extended outing against the Cardinals.

On one play Palmer will put a pass on a dime. On the next he’ll force a throw downfield that only the defense can make a play on.  Making matters worse is that when the Palmer did lead drives deep into Cardinals territory he and his offense had trouble putting the ball in the end zone. Palmer tossed a crazy TD to Rod Streater that showed by the good and bad of Carson.

On a throw only a pro could make, Palmer was off balance, on one leg and falling down when he somehow threaded the needle to the ever impressive Streater. That was the good of Carson. The bad came when he again tried to force a deep ball that overshot his target by a few yards landing safely in the hands of defender.

About the only bright spot for the first team offense remains to be Darren McFadden.

Run DMC is poised for an MVP caliber season so long as he avoids the injury bug that his bit every year of his career.

On the subject of injuries, the Raiders racked up a few of those last night.

Matt Leinart’s NFL homecoming began with boos and ended with a boo-boo. The former Cardinal has looked sharp in the preseason which is why it was too bad that his night was cut short by a hand injury. Early reports indicate that Leinart should be good to go if not by next week then by the start of the regular season for sure. That’s somewhat of a relief.

What Raider Nation is currently holding its breath over is the status of Jacoby Ford who is getting an MRI for a foot injury. Ford spent most of his night in Arizona on crutches. Couple that with Denarius Moore’s hamstring issue and you’ve got yourself ample reason to be hopeful that the aforementioned Streater and Juron Criner will be ready for expanded roles early in their NFL careers.

But it wasn’t all bad. The first team defense looks very much improved though there were some warning signs of past mistakes again rearing their ugly mug.

The Raiders terrorized Kevin Kolb forcing a safety in the first quarter as one of three sacks the silver and black defense racked up. Tommy Kelly went one step further by calling out Kolb’s toughness to which the disappointing QB took great offense to. Chalk that up to Kelly still holding onto Hue Jackson’s bully building effort made a year ago.

Before we get too worried it is important to keep in mind that this is till the preseason and the Raiders are still adjusting to an entirely new way of life in football terms. Still, the turnovers are of great concern so too are bad habits. Palmer’s interception problem is not improving and Mike Goodson is doing nothing to disprove his label as fumble-prone. Twice Goodson coughed up the rock in his Raiders debut before he too went off with an injury.

Injuries and turnovers dominated a night that had a tragic ending for one fan that was shot in the parking lot after the game had concluded. Reports indicate that the man who was shot is expected to survive. That is a bit of good news in lieu of the ugly incident.

For Allen it’s back to the drawing board as he knows there is plenty of work to be done. So far we’ve got far more questions than answers about a team that is rebuilding itself on the fly.