The team was in a terrible position in regards to the salary cap and available draft selections, making addressing the lack of talent and depth an extremely difficult task.
Just one offseason later, the salary cap situation is now much improved, and could even be considered favorable by the time the 2014 season rolls around. In April’s 2013 NFL draft, the Raiders will have what will seem like their most significant crop of draft selections in quite some time.
Fans and media alike knew that if McKenzie and Allen were going to build this team, and do so the right way, it was going to take time. While they should be given some serious time to do so, especially considering the mess they inherited, there is reason to believe that it may not take as long as one would first assume.
No, the Raiders are not likely to come out and compete for a Super Bowl in 2013. That’s almost a given. However, considering how quickly some other teams have shown significant improvement over the past few seasons, the blueprint is there to get to that point not too long after.
Take the Seattle Seahawks for example. After 4-12 and 5-11 seasons in 2008-09 respectively, they made the move to bring head coach Pete Carroll in from USC in 2010.
After back-to-back 7-9 seasons under Carroll, the Seahawks made the jump in 2012 to becoming one of the NFL’s best all-around teams. Heading into 2013, you can bet they will be an extremely popular Super Bowl pick.
The Seattle defense was arguably the NFL’s best unit in 2012, but what did the Seahawks and some of the other up-and-coming teams around the league have in common in their seemingly quick success? They all found their quarterback.
Hardly coinci...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
