Oakland Raiders G.M. Under Pressure Over D.J. Hayden

Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Oakland Raiders cornerback D.J. Hayden (25) interferes on a pass intended for Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (10) in the third quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Raiders 47-14. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

It takes a good G.M. three years to rebuild a team and Oakland Raiders G.M. Reggie McKenzie is in his fourth. But he needs this year to tell how he’s doing because of the lack of picks his first  year. We know McKenzie has drafted well the last two years but we don’t know about his first full draft class yet.

If the Raiders draft class of 2013 is a hit, we could call this team rebuilt but it doesn’t look so good right now. Menelik Watson, the 2nd-round pick, is out for the season and didn’t playwell when healthy. Sio Moore, the 3rd-round pick, was just traded to the Indianapolis Colts for a 7th-round pick.

Then there’s 4th-round pick Tyler Wilson, who was cut in the middle of his first training camp. There are some late-round contributors like pass-catching tight end Mychal Rivera, starting running back Latavius Murray and defensive tackle Stacy McGee. But the 2013 draft class and the evaluation of McKenzie comes down to 1st-round pick D.J. Hayden.

Turn the page so see how and why.

Next: Could have done better