It is a period of civil war. Rebel spaceships striking from a hidden base, have won their first victory against the evil Galactic Empire.”

July 15, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Star Wars stormtroopers line up as Darth Vader (center) throws out the first pitch before a game between the Washington Nationals and the Miami Marlins before at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

The opening of the 1977 movie “Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope” pretty much sums up the draft day had by the Oakland Raiders. It is a period of hardship for the Raiders. Fans have spent over a decade without the sweet taste of a winning season. However, after years of draft busts and tears a new hope finally emerges in the form of the Jedi Knight/GM, Reggie McKenzie. He wins his first victory within the draft picks that will be just the beginning of the force returning to Oakland.

All wookies aside the Raiders were in rough shape a couple of months ago. Carson Palmer was on his way out, McFadden was without backup, the offensive line was depleted, and the defense lacked, well everything. The outlook for Oakland didn’t make it past four wins.

Free agency came and went. Oakland filled crucial holes with one year “prove it” contracts.

Terrell Pryor received some competition in Matt Flynn while McFadden welcomed a new backup in Rashad Jennings.

Richard Seymour and Tommy Kelly were replaced with serious question mark players, Pat Sims and Vance Walker.

The linebackers got some talent to help Miles Burris (Kevin Burnett, Kaluka Maiva, and Nick Roach) all the while getting rid of the criminal known as Rolando McClain.

The secondary and worst aspect in Oakland added Pro-Bowl talent in Mike Jenkins and Tracy Porter.

Not bad Reggie McKenzie. Dealing with limited cap space the GM managed to take this team from utter disarray to mediocrity. Enter the 2013 NFL Draft.

Nobody can truly grade this draft until the players strap on the pads and hit the field. Until then it is all speculation. But at first glance it really seems like Reggie could not have made out better.

D.J. Hayden, the Raiders first pick, is a kid who is best known for his heart (not like Rudy). Rather his heart issue. After suffering the life threatening freak injury, Hayden has been cleared to play by doctors. Thus ends my concern with his heart. My concern or lack thereof lies within his football play. McKenzie has acknowledged the knack Hayden shows in coverage. Something Oakland has lacked since the exile of Nnamdi Asomugha. Hayden’s coverage abilities combined with his natural speed and awareness on the field will likely land him as a starter in week one. The addition of Hayden gives Tracey Porter the opportunity to excel at nickel corner which he is best at.

Apr 26, 2013; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raider first round pick D.J. Hayden answers questions during the press conference at Oakland Raiders headquarters. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports

Not only did the Raiders get their number one guy, but their trade with the Dolphins allowed them to add a rather interesting prospect. The very raw offensive lineman, Menalik Watson, has but a year of football under his belt. Despite the lack of experience, good coaching may end the questions that lie within the offensive line.

In the third round Oakland added linebacker Sio Moore who was pretty fired up to say the least.

“For me, I take that and use that not to brag and boast but as a chip on my shoulder because even though I can do a bunch of things I’m still overlooked. It’s a shame but it’s also a blessing because it’s the reason why I’m pissed off. Going to Oakland they’re going to get a pissed off linebacker that wants to prove why he’s the best linebacker coming out this year. I don’t care about the guys drafted before me. I play with juice. None of those guys are as hungry as me. None of those guys want to work as hard as me. I’m going to make sure wherever I go, whoever I’m with I’m going to outwork them.” – Sio Moore

Sio Moore might be a horrible linebacker and amount to nothing in the NFL. But by the sounds of it he plans on being the next cornerstone of a defense. And a round later another possible cornerstone was added to the Raider’s roster.

Oct 15, 2011; East Hartford, CT, USA; Connecticut Huskies linebacker Sio Moore (3) celebrates after making an interception against the South Florida Bulls during the second half at Rentschler Field. Mandatory Credit: Danny Wild-USA TODAY Sports

Tyler Wilson, quarterback out of Arkansas has been compared to the likes of Brett Favre. Many questions surround his footwork, but the upside on this kid seems huge. If Matt Flynn gets to comfortable this job might be Wilson’s to lose. (I can’t see Pryor getting a shot to start. It seems like McKenzie/Allen don’t trust the kid.)

McKenzie continued to fill holes throughout the later rounds of the draft. A blocking and a receiving tight end were drafted to fill the Brandon Meyers void. Depth was added as the Raiders backed up McFadden with a bruising potential filled back, and the receiving corps caught a big possession receiver out of SDSU. In the last round the Raiders finally attended to their defensive line by adding a small Collegiate defensive end.

These players might just look like another draft class right now. But in three or four years this class will be remembered as Reggie McKenzie’s draft that turned the Raiders back into a winning program. The class that gave the Raiders, a new hope.

Dec 2, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders owner Reggie McKenzie attends the game against the Cleveland Browns at the O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

The Oakland Raiders were a franchise without their leader and in total disarray. The head coach was making moves like the “greatest trade in football” and the financial situation was as bad as our government’s. Ok it wasn’t that bad, but things looked rough. In stepped Reggie Mckenzie with an axe and a lumberjack flannel. Raider Nation hungry to improve on an 8-8 season watched in awe as Hue Jackson’s bully was disassembled like a toy in Sid’s bedroom. (Toy Story is a classic!)

I’ll be the first person to confess that I wasn’t to pleased to watch Louis Murphy, Stanford Routt, or even Carson Palmer be shown the door. A four win season drives a fan a little crazy. Its like that horrible day when one decides to watch Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull. Well unlike Steven Spielburg and George Lucas, Reggie McKenzie and Dennis Allen have a chance to make things right. And after another wave of cuts, Mckenzie has finally started the building process.

The linebacking problem of Oakland was the first to be solved. A group of savvy veterans have been added in hopes to replicate what Phillip Wheeler managed to accomplish one season ago. Not to mention the progress of young Miles Burris who looks to have a very promising career in the silver and black.

McKenzie didn’t stop there as he re-signed Khalif Barnes (as is tradition) and picked up veteran offensive tackle Alex Baron. All the while under the radar signings on the defensive line such as nose tackle Johnny Jones and defensive tackle Vance Walker signified the opportunity Dennis Allen would have the ability to turn over to a 3-4 defense.

McKenzie’s squad still looked weak. With an aging quarterback and a severe problem in the defensive backfield questions were left to be answered. And for the first time in what seems like forever the Raiders found themselves in the mainstream of NFL action. The move for Matt Flynn has been seen as positive by most. McKenzie sees talent in the player that he watched develop behind the State Farm discount double check star, and the staff in Oakland seem very confident in his ability. Not only did McKenzie manage to find a possible franchise quarterback (emphasize possible), but the GM also sealed a deal with former Saint Tracy Porter. The veteran presence of Dennis Allen’s former pupil, in my opinion, will be a huge contributor to Oakland’s lacking secondary.

I think for Matt Flynn, a guy that’s had an opportunity now to be in the league for five years as a backup quarterback, to learn, to grow, to develop, I would say he’s not unlike some other guys that you’ve seen go through the same type of process,” – Dennis Allen comparing Matt Flynn to Matt Schaub.

Holes are still left on Oakland’s roster to fill. Another free agent corner such as former Dallas Cowboy, Micheal Jenkins, would be a prime addition to a once depleted secondary. With the draft on the horizon one is left to ponder the possibility of trading the third overall pick for a late first rounder and maybe a second to third round pick. Certainly a team like the Bengals or Bears would consider trading up for a big difference maker. Trading would give the Raiders the ability to seal a first round defensive lineman and still receive a potential star defensive back like Tyrann Mathieu who exploded in front of scouts.

September 9 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive back Tracy Porter (22) reacts to his return for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Reggie McKenzie has a long way to go to bringing his team to the promise land. After starting his new regime with just four wins the man has endured his share of criticism (maybe even some from me) and perservered. Questions are still to be answered. Will Matt Flynn be the next Schaub or the next Palmer? Will the new cornerback tandem be the next Asomugha/routt or the next Spencer/Bartell? Without a doubt McKenzie is determined to pull this mess together into a masterpiece.

Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

There is plenty of uncertainty going forward for the Oakland Raiders so it only makes sense for Reggie McKenzie to try and minimize the drama during the season. One such issue sure to be talked about non-stop will be Darren McFadden’s contract situation. He’s entering the final year of his rookie contract and the oft injured yet talented runner figures to be a hot commodity as his skill level is impossible to ignore.

That’s led McKenzie to state his desires to open contract talks with McFadden sooner than later.

Despite his many injuries McKenzie has called McFadden “as tough as the come”. Raider Nation would agree as the zone blocking scheme proved his true nature as a runner. McFadden isn’t interested in dancing at the line. He’s looking to lower his shoulder and do damage behind a bruising offensive line.

In fact most of McFadden’s injuries have been of the random and freakish variety. So McKenzie has no problem talking long term with Run DMC in mind even though said freak occurrences have happened every year McFadden has been in the league.

However there are sure to be plenty of provisions in McFadden’s deal preventing him from collecting scratch while sitting on the sideline. That’s just the business of pro football. No matter what it’s nice to know the Raiders rebuild isn’t a complete overhaul. Sure, McFadden’s injury issues are of great concern but there is no way this team is better without him nor do playmakers of his breed simply fall from the sky.

Keeping McFadden in Oakland is top priority and that is refreshing given the miserable year he and the entire offense suffered through in 2012. Give McKenzie credit, his first year on the job was one with a steep learning curve but he’s not so foolish as to assume there is no talent on the team worth keeping around. Inking Tyvon Branch illustrated that and keeping McFadden in Oakland would be another great accomplishment given the current cap situation.