I think of the time it took to build, the patience it took, and the brains it took. Each one of those massive pyramids that still stand today all started with a vision, and all started with one brick.
In 2006, the Raiders went 2-14 and earned the No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 NFL draft. The cupboard was empty on offense, the O-line was weak, and the skill position players were not very skilled at all.
No QB threw over 300 yards in 2006, and only once did a running back break 100 yards rushing. The Raiders had to start over and rebuild through the draft instead of free agency.
In 2007, the Raiders began building their structure when they drafted JaMarcus Russell, a tremendously physically gifted QB out of LSU. After four years of losing 11 games or more, the Raiders decided to draft the QB of their future. The vision was born, and the first brick was laid.
In 2008, the Raiders drafted Darren McFadden, an explosive running back out of Arkansas, with the fourth overall pick. The second brick had been laid.
In 2009, the Raiders drafted Darrius Heyward-Bey, the speedy wide receiver out of Maryland, with the seventh overall pick. The third brick was laid, and the structure started taking shape.
Other bricks began to emerge, and began solidifying the foundation.
Zach Miller, Louis Murphy, Trevor Scott, Matt Shaughnessy, Tyvonn Branch, Michael Huff, Chaz Schilens, Michael Bush, Mike Mitchell, and Nnamdi Asomugha.
Now there is a saying that Rome was not built in a day, and that stands true today. A team that is em...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
