Sports Illustrated's Peter King quoted McKenzie clearly describing his team-building philosophy:
Yes, and we've talked about that. Remember -- the way I was raised in football, in Green Bay, was not as a big spender in free agency. I hope we continue to draft well, and I hope we can sign our own players, because that's the way I believe you win in this league. You draft, develop and sign your own players.
That approach increases the pressure on a general manager. McKenzie must prove he has a keen eye for pro-ready talent.
He'll have to show he can identify and select what Raiders fans will hope can be the core of a consistently winning team. Everything McKenzie has done during his first two years in Oakland has put the focus on his performance in this draft.
That started with alleviating the crippling salary cap mess left by the old regime. This offseason, McKenzie led a purge of the ageing, overpaid stars who symbolized the stagnation of the Silver and Black.
Quarterback Carson Palmer was traded to the Arizona Cardinals. That deal netted the Raiders a sixth-round draft choice.
What McKenzie did before trading Palmer offered the perfect example of how he's rebuilding the Raiders. The trade for Matt Flynn meant the Raiders were replacing a 33-year-old passer with a 27-year-old.
McKenzie addressed the most important position on the team by acquiring a player six years younger, along with an extra draft pick.
Getting younger and relying on the draft. It's a simple formula, but one designed to protect the Raiders long-term.
Defensive tackle Richard Seymour is still a capable player, but at 33, he's seen his best years. He was re...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
