Derek Carr represents Oakland Raiders in Pro Bowl

Last month, Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr was named an alternate to the 2016 Pro Bowl. But Wednesday afternoon, as a replacement for injured Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, Carr will play in the game. The irony in this is that Carr, called “Baby A-Rod” by many, is replacing the player many liken him to.

And at the same time, he’ll join safety Charles Woodson and OLB Khalil Mack in representing Raiders. Fullback Marcel Reece was also voted into the game, but has since been removed due to a PED suspension. Carr’s honor comes after one of the best statistical seasons by a quarterback in franchise history.

He completed 61.1 percent of his passes for 3,987 yards, 32 touchdowns, 13 interceptions and a 91.1 passer rating. If just one of those NFL-2nd-highest 44 drops he suffered to receivers were caught, he would have thrown for over 4,000 yards. His improved play led the Raiders to 7-9 record in 2015, more twice the wins they had in their 3-13 2014.

Raiders GM Reggie McKenzie has started drafting well for his team after the 2013 NFL Draft. He got his franchise quarterback in Carr and the most dominant defensive player in the NFL in the first two round. In Round 3, he picked Gabe Jackson, a huge guard that will play in his share of Pro Bowls soon.

Then in the first round 2015, McKenzie picked Amari Cooper, a future superstar target for Carr. Then in the second rounds he picked a future star defensive lineman in Mario Edwards Jr. And the third, he got the Raiders a tight end with plenty of star potential himself.

One more draft should have the Raiders set up to contend for years to come!