The Oakland Raiders are trying to win today by going back to the way they did things back in the day. GM Reggie McKenzie played for the Raiders in the ’80s and head coach Jack Del Rio is a life-long fan. So they both know of the Raiders mystique and physical brand of football it was built on.
When asked what he meant when he said, “The greatness of the Raiders is in the future.” legendary owner Al Davis said “Those people [front office] can use the past as a guide and can live in the tradition and history of the organization—someone has to lead this group into the future and make sure they have greatness.”
It all starts with team identity and in 2014, McKenzie started use that guide to build the Raiders. It all started with a dominant outside linebacker namded Khalil Mack and big-armed quarterback named Derek Carr. Carr showed his ability to throw the deep ball to 2015 1st-round pick Amari Cooper as they continue to build the offense around him.
Del Rio came in last year on the same page as McKenzie, wanting to build a physical brand of football. Huge lineman on both sides of the ball and physical to intimidate and impose their will are key. Creating fear and intimidation with the most physical players was a big part of Davis’ blue print.
And this year’s draft class reflects that the Raiders have built that brand!
Turn the page to see how!
Next: Round 1