In the offseason, seven out of 10 picks from 2013 draft competed for a spot on the 53-man roster. Two of those players were traded and one landed on injured reserve before Week 2. The four remaining talents haven’t impressed on a major scale in a critical third season—only one holds a firm grip on a starting position going into Week 13.
Three seasons provide an adequate sample to evaluate a particular draft class. McKenzie’s third-year players stepped into the spotlight expecting to leave their mark on an improved roster and shrunk under the microscope.
Trading Assets: Sio Moore and Brice Butler
The Raiders front office parted ways with two fan favorites in linebacker Sio Moore and wide receiver Brice Butler. In fairness, neither player has made a significant impact on his new team.
Moore lost his starting position to Malcolm Smith while rehabbing after hip surgery in the offseason, as reported by CSNBayArea.com reporter Scott Bair.
During a preseason press conference with local reporters, head coach Jack Del Rio essentially dismissed Moore as a potential role player.
One day before final roster cuts, the front office sent Moore to the Indianapolis Colts for a sixth-round pick.
Butler showed potential as an high-caliber wideout in preseason but failed to make an impact when the games counted.
In 2014, the Raiders wide receiver group featured Andre Holmes and James Jones as primary targets. Butler's numbers remained trivial, catching 21 passes for 280 yards through 15 games.
The Raiders traded Butler and a sixth-round pick to the Dallas Cowboys for a conditional fifth-round pick. Thus far, he’s caught ...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
