Who are the Oakland Raiders? That is the million dollar question that general manager Reggie McKenzie has been attempting to answer since beginning his reign with the team. Two years removed from the ownership of Al Davis, McKenzie has made key moves to help bring long-term success to Raider Nation, a fanbase so desperate to be on top. As head coach Dennis Allen prepares for training camp, several Raiders' rookies are looking to be set for stardom in the Bay Area.
The Raiders roster used to be filled with veterans and bloated rosters. Now, it is chalk full of eager rookies and young talent ready to prove they are the best future for the Raiders. As Oakland is a year away from having nearly $70 million in available cap space, there are a few players poised to bring success in the upcoming season, especially on defense.
Sio Moore was the team's third-round draft pick and is an opportunity to find success early. Moore is the kind of linebacker that while the name might not be marquee, he is going to let his presence be known on the field. Allen views Moore as an every-down linebacker who specialties include shedding blockers and putting quarterbacks on the ground.
D.J. Hayden is another rookie that will help the Raiders establish a new identity as the season progresses. Much has been made about the cornerback and his ongoing health issues. Hayden was forced to leave organized team activities in the spring to have scar tissue removed from his abdomen that was built up from a previous life threatening injury. Hayden is expected to report healthy for training camp.
The cornerback is vying for a starting spot in the Raiders young secondary. The coaching staff has been extremely impressed with Hayden's ball skills and fluidity on the field. McKenzie is 100 percent certain that Hayden's medical issues are behind him and will no longer play a part in his training.
Both Hayden and Moore are the types of players the Raiders can build a franchise around. Along with quarterback Matt Flynn and veterans like Charles Woodson, McKenzie is slowly but surely putting a plan in place for Raiders. With the talent currently on the roster, Oakland is no longer a 4-12 team. McKenzie is building a team of cornerstone athletes instead of inconsistent fringe starters. The rookies are the first step off the rebuilding road.
