Reggie McKenzie is Building the Oakland Raiders

Aug 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Oakland Raiders linebacker Khalil Mack (52) against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Raiders 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

One of the Best Drafts Ever?

When an NFL team can get three starters with some other contributors in the draft, it was a good draft. The draft class of 1968 was the Raiders’ best ever in that regard with quarterback Ken Stabler in the second round and left tackle Art Shell in the third. Running back Charlie Smith, safety George Atkinson, and fullback Marv Hubbard completed it with five starters. The fact that Stabler was a franchise quarterback that won a Super Bowl makes the class even better.

This year, the McKenzie picked their franchise quarterback in 2nd-round pick Derek Carr. But first, he picked the best player in the draft in 1st-round pick and outside linebacker Khalil Mack. Then McKenzie was somehow able to steal guard Gabe Jackson in the third round.

Mack is already there, Jackson looks like he will start and Carr has a chance depending on his next outing. Then you have corner and 7th-round pick T.J. Carrie now with a shot with injuries to Hayden to make that four potential immediate starters. Corner and 4th-round pick Kieth McGill would have had a chance if he were 100 percent but you know how that goes.

But at some point, Carr and Jackson will definitely join Mack as starters to make three from the class of 2014. McGill and Carrie will have a shot at some point themselves along with 4th-round pick and nosetackle Justin Ellis. McKenzie did his Raiders some good as Carr, the franchise quarterback, can lift this class up to one the best in Raiders history along with Mack.