With The First Pick
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Built Through the Draft: Oakland Raiders

By Carl Cockerham

Jan 16, 2015; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie (left) at press conference at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2015; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie (left) at press conference at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) prepares to pass in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) prepares to pass in the second quarter against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

2014: Derek Carr

After getting the best player in the 2014 NFL Draft in the first round, they got the best QB in the second round. What a first two rounds it was for the Silver and Black as Carr fell that far. He may not have even been that highly thought of by the Raiders, who planned to sit him for a year under Matt Schaub.

But Carr beat Schaub out in camp and for the hand he was dealt, he handled himself well as a rookie QB. He completed 58 percent of his passes for 3,270 yards, 21 TDs and a QB rating of 76.6. His offensive line was leaky on the right side, his WRs wore DBs like overcoats, and he had no running game that year.

The Raiders then improved the offensive line in free agency and drafted a big-time No. 1 receiver. Carr then made that jump to Year 2 with 3,987 yards, 32 TDs, and QB rating of 91.1. Besides what was put around him, the reason for the jump was the improvement of his deep ball percentage and his performance against the blitz.

Carr figures to become a superstar this year as his 53 touchdown passes are second to only Dan Marino for QBs in their first two years. The only thing to add to him on offense now is a running game and with the addition of Osemele to the offensive line, he’ll have one in 2016.

Next: Gabe Jackson

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