Dec 29, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) throws a pass against the Denver Broncos at O.co Coliseum. The Broncos defeated the Raiders 34-14. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
One thing the Oakland Raiders needed were extra draft picks this year, and an extra pick has now been acquired. Terrelle Pryor wanted out of Oakland, and he is now a Seattle Seahawk. That’s right, he will be backing up Russell Wilson in Seattle. Not Pryor’s ideal situation, as he wanted a chance to start, but he could be just one or two injuries away from being the starter should Wilson get hurt in 2014.
Supposedly, and according to Seahawks General Manager John Schneider, Pryor will compete with Tavaris Jackson and B.J. Daniels for the backup role. In a statement released by the Seahawks, Schneider stated, “Terrelle is an incredibly explosive athlete, and we’re excited for him to come in and compete.”
It was rumored that there were other teams in the running to acquire Pryor (i.e., San Francisco 49ers & Carolina Panthers), but they weren’t offering the Raiders any picks in the 2014 Draft. Instead, and in the end, Reggie McKenzie and Terrelle Pryor both got what they wanted.
For Pryor, he goes to a team that is already using a run and gun style of offense. In other words, the Seahawks are equipped for Pryor’s unique skill set. Pryor will have every opportunity to compete in their system. For McKenzie, he obtains yet another draft pick in 2014, and he gives the Raiders a chance to build through the draft.
With the 32nd pick in the 7th Round (247 overall), the Raiders now have a total of 7 draft picks entering into the draft (3 picks in the 7th Round). Depth at key positions is an issue for the Raiders, and the 219th, 235th, and 247th picks will definitely be gap fillers. Then again, there is a lot of talent in the draft this year, and a diamond in the rough might be found.
Pryor’s departure from the Raiders means that the last of the Al Davis draft picks are gone. This team is now fully McKenzie’s team. It is time to shore up the walls of the team and win. That’s right, let’s win some games. Not just 4 or 8 or 9, I’m talking 10 or 11. I want the Raiders to compete with the rest of the AFC West this year. No more excuses, Go Raiders!