Reggie McKenzie Named PFWA Executive of the Year
The Pro Football Writers of America gave Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie the prestigious NFL Executive of the Year award. When looking back at McKenzie’s 2016, it’s easy to see why. He took the Oakland Raiders, a perennial punchline, and restored them to their original glory. McKenzie joins the late Al Davis as the second Raider to win the award.
Draft Wizard
Reggie McKenzie had a rough first couple of drafts with the Oakland Raiders. With players like D.J. Hayden and Tony Bergstrom failing to make a positive impact, people began to doubt that he could recreate the success he had as an executive with the Green Bay Packers.
Then the 2014 NFL draft happened, and McKenzie hasn’t missed a step. In the last three drafts, the Raiders have drafted Derek Carr, Khalil Mack, Amari Cooper, Gabe Jackson, Karl Joseph, and a number of other talented players. In 2016 alone, he picked up DeAndre Washington and Jalen Richard, a pair of talented rookie running backs that made an immediate impact.
The Oakland Raiders are one of the best teams in the NFL, and much of that has come from excellent drafting. Reggie McKenzie’s keen eye is only one of the many gifts that make him the best general manager in football, as well as the executive of the year.
Cap Magician
While Reggie McKenzie has been an excellent drafter, some of his best moves have come in free agency. While teams like the Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars were off blowing their money on “elite” free agents, McKenzie has chosen to pick up “bargain bin” players instead.
Nobody wanted the likes of Michael Crabtree, David Amerson, or Donald Penn, but Reggie McKenzie did. McKenzie signed these key free agents on cap-friendly deals, and they’ve made all the difference. Even when McKenzie did open up his wallet, it was for players like Kelechi Osemele, Bruce Irvin, and Rodney Hudson, all of whom have made an immediate impact.
Onwards and Upwards
However, the best thing about Reggie McKenzie’s work in Oakland is that it’s not over. In fact, it’s only just the beginning. With the young nucleus in place, and a penchant for underrated free agents and explosive draft prospects, the Raiders are only going to get better. Congratulations, Reggie McKenzie. The award was well-deserved, and soon your hard work will pay off with a Lombardi.
