Reggie McKenzie Praises Oakland Raiders Rookie Class

Sep 27, 2014; London, UNITED KINGDOM; Oakland Raiders linebacker Khalil Mack (52), quarterback Derek Carr (4) and coach Dennis Allen at NFL on Regent Street in advance of the International Series game between the Miami Dolphins and the Raiders. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie recently discussed the team’s rookie draft class and he is nothing but impressed with their quick maturity.

The Oakland Raiders are once again poised for an early selection in the NFL Draft, but there is no denying they have shown rapid improvements from a year ago.

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A big part of the beginning of the team’s turnaround is the play of rookie quarterback Derek Carr and the impressive performances from stud linebacker Khalil Mack.

Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie discussed his team’s rookie class while meeting with the media ahead of Week 17 and had nothing but praise to deliver for his rising young stars.

“Derek and Khalil stopped being rookies a little while back,” McKenzie said, via the San Francisco Chronicle. “Now they are veteran players. They can carry this into next season and help build this team into winners. They’ve shown their teammates who they are as players and men off the field, and they’re definitely guys everybody can count on.

“The foundation has been built. That’s what it’s all about. The more young guys play, the more comfortable they get . . . and now they’re making plays. And we continue to grow that.”

If the Raiders can continue to build around Carr and Mack, the Raiders could find themselves emerging from the AFC West cellar in a few years.

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