Reggie McKenzie is loving the options the Oakland Raiders have with the 2014 NFL Draft. Armed with the No. 5 overall pick, McKenzie is hopeful at the possibilities but is also realistic at the players the team will chase. Still in need of filling holes at several key positions, McKenzie is making a short list of desired moves with the team's first pick and none of them reportedly include either Johnny Manziel or Blake Bortles.
McKenzie must have all the confidence in the world in Matt Schaub. The veteran quarterback was acquired from the Houston Texans in exchange for a sixth-round pick, but he hardly screams future of the franchise. Matt McGloin and Trent Edwards do not carry that label either. It was assumed the Raiders would try and make a move for either Manziel or Bortles, but McKenzie says that is simply unrealistic.
According to Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle, the Raiders will not draft a quarterback in the first round and possibly will not in the second round either.
"You draft for the future," McKenzie said, via the Chronicle. "You don't draft for right now. That's not the way you do it. That's not the way I do it. I'm not going to feel like I have to take anybody, really. It gives us a clear vision."
Despite having back-to-back 4-12 seasons, McKenzie says he is not feeling the pressure to draft players he feels can be immediate starters. According to the Raiders general manager, a team should draft for the future, not tomorrow. With none of the first-round quarterbacks being considered a lock to becoming successful NFL players, why not hold off?
This year's draft class is deep at various positions outside of the quarterback. The Raiders could use their No. 5 pick and get Khalil Mack. With most of the defense filled with veteran players, Mack would be strong, young talent ready to start the next day. Sammy Watkins or Mike Evans are also favorites. The Raiders are in desperate need of a wide receiver that can be counted on for the big plays. Almost every wide receiver in this draft is considered NFL ready and would be a smart pick.
The Raiders will draft a quarterback this year, but not until a later round. Oakland is favored to land a player like Aaron Murray, Zach Mettenberger or AJ McCarron who will likely be hanging around come the third round at least. McKenzie is being smart with this draft. He understands it is deep at impact players and with Schaub already on the roster, the pressure is off for the first round.
