Has Reggie McKenzie Saved the Oakland Raiders?

Oct 13, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) is sacked by Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Sio Moore (55) during the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

2013 Draft Class

Many are underestimating the 2013 draft class because of the injuries but they will see soon that it’s a great draft class too. Sio Moore, a 3rd-round outside linebacker, showed in Week 1 against the New York Jets that out of the 3-4, he’s right with Mack as a pass rusher. The Raiders have run more 4-3 over and under lately but that was with LaMarr Woodley, who’s now out for the season, at end.

If 6th-round 3-4 end/4-3 tackle Stacy McGee comes back from a broken hand to his 2013 form, he’ll also help the pass rush. And 1st-round pick D.J. Hayden should be back this week or next to show Raider Nation he is not a bust. Then on offense, former boxer and college basketball player Menelik Watson is a fantastic athlete McKenzie took in the 2nd round.

He’s playing well at right tackle now but I believe his future is on the left side when Donald Penn is done. He is the reason that it didn’t bother McKenzie for former Raiders left tackle Jared Veldheer to walk out of Raider Nation’s doors. That’s four starters there, which is also good but it may be five as 7th-round pick Brice Butler has superstar potential at wide receiver.