Jan 25, 2014; Mobile, AL, USA; South squad quarterback Derek Carr of Fresno State (4) drops back to pass against the North squad during the first quarter at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
When Derek Carr was left on the board after Thursday’s first round of the NFL Draft it was assumed that the Oakland Raiders would be hoping to add the Fresno State quarterback should he be available with the No. 36 pick in the second round on Friday night in New York. A realistic possibility considering the only QB-hungry team ahead of them were the Houston Texans, a team that was unlikely to draft the younger brother of a player they consider to be the worst bust.
The Raiders had no such worries that David Carr’s younger brother will have the same career hardships, eagerly nabbing their guy at No. 36 after the Texans, Cowboys (via trade with Washington) and Browns made their selections. Opting to pass on an array of elite defensive tackles to draft who will now be assumed as the Raiders franchise quarterback of the future.
Carr was rumored to be the favored prospect of Raiders owner Mark Davis as well as a favorite of general manager Reggie McKenzie as the reported interest between Oakland and Carr dates back all the way to the early stages of the offseason. Making the fact that the Raiders managed to steal Carr in the second round something that is going to be celebrated through the night at the Raiders facilities.
Blessed with a strong arm that was exhibited often last year in Fresno State’s spread offense, Carr shined for the Bulldogs in 2014 with a 50 passing touchdown season that had him pegged as a surefire first round talent before a poor performance against a red hot USC team during his bowl appearance dropped his draft stock that led to his free fall to the 36th pick in the draft tonight. A drop that may end up being the Raiders gain down the long run.
With veteran Matt Schaub assumed to get all of the starts in 2014 for the Raiders for the time being, Carr will have time to adjust from playing in the Mountain West to playing against the best athletes and defenses in the world at a pace that Reggie McKenzie saw pay dividends when Aaron Rodgers dropped late to the Packers famously while RM was in the Packers front office. Schaub is no Brett Favre by any means, but having the veteran of the Falcons/Texans will be instrumental in how Carr develops before making his close up down the road.
For now Raider Nation should be happy that their potential franchise quarterback is now in the organization, a move that was made at the sacrifice of turning down the chance at an impact player that could be used right away to perhaps get the best quarterback to wear the Silver and Black since Rich Gannon. Only time will tell, but the 5,000 yard + 50 passing TD man from Fresno State may just be the answer to the Raiders tortured history at the QB position over the past decade.