Reggie McKenzie is Building the Oakland Raiders

Aug 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker Anthony Barr (55) is blocked by Oakland Raiders tackle Donald Penn (72) during the second quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Upgrades

This offseason, not only did McKenzie get some good players but he upgraded over the ones he lost. When Jared Veldheer, a pretty good left, tackle was gone, he was upgraded by 2012 Top-100 football player and Pro Bowl left tackle Donald Penn. At 6’6″, 350 pounds, he looks like an old Raider-brand offensive lineman as he is among the biggest in the NFL too.

Then on defense, Justin Tuck came in as the upgrade over Lamarr Houston, who to me, was just a decent player. Houston is coming off a career-high six sacks last year and that’s not even a good number for Tuck as he had 11. And for everyone the wants to talk about how well Houston plays the run, Tuck is among the best 4-3 ends against the run.

While Tuck upgraded Houston’s true position, (left side) Lamarr Woodley was the upgrade on the position he played last year. (right side) And Woodley looks like the great player he was for the Steelers before the injuries started so far too. If he stays healthy, he going to be somewhere in the double digits as far as sacks go and he can play the run.