With a weak linebacker corps, why isn't Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie more aggressive with waiver-wire inquiries?
When retired linebacker Zachary Orr announced his intentions to return to the field, Oakland Raiders fans knew general manager Reggie McKenzie would be interested in the 25-year old, who started 15 games, logged 89 tackles, five passes defensed and three interceptions in 2016.
Then, Las Vegas Journal-Review reporter Michael Gehlken confirmed the Raiders didn't inquire about the third-year linebacker, yet:
Of course, McKenzie still has time to court the young linebacker, but don't expect Orr to take any visits to Oakland. After the draft, the Raiders executive indicated the team would give Ben Heeney, Cory James and Marquel Lee a shot at the starting position during the offseason, per Raiders.com:
"It's an ongoing evaluation," McKenzie said. "We'll see what we got coming in. We'll have the rookie minicamp. Then, we'll have everybody together. If we need to add someone else, we will."
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The Raiders haven't budged on re-signing Perry Riley, so it's likely the front office will move forward with the young linebackers on the roster. Let's put Orr's ascension into perspective. He came into the league as an undrafted free agent in 2014. Before his breakout 2016 campaign, the former Baltimore Ravens defender logged 21 tackles in 31 games without a start.
Let's put Orr's ascension into perspective. He came into the league as an undrafted free agent in 2014. Before his breakout 2016 campaign, the former Baltimore Ravens defender logged 21 tackles in 31 games without a start.
Orr's single productive year after two nondescript seasons shows McKenzie that his roster could have the same surprise player rise through the ranks. Who knows, maybe undrafted rookie linebacker LaTroy Lewis becomes a surprise contributor at the position. After an impressive rookie minicamp showing, he signed a three-year deal, per Spotrac.
Can the Raiders Find Their Zach Orr?
No one believes in a player until it's proven on the field. Orr didn't flash until his third season. Now, he's a coveted free agent with half the league lining up to sign him. It's possible Heeney experiences the same leap going into his third season. Lee has an opportunity to show his skills for the first time as a pro late July. How do we know he's not a future Pro Bowler? Again, who knows?
Nonetheless, the Raiders have long needed help at inside linebacker. It's one position McKenzie has struggled to fill long term. Whether it's a veteran like Curtis Lofton on his last legs or a young talent like Heeney struggling through his early years, the defense hasn't settled on a long-term starter. As mentioned, Riley performed well, and he's still on the free-agent wire. Go figure.
Unless a Pro Bowl player hits the free-agent market and expresses exclusive interest in playing for the Raiders on a modest deal, don't expect McKenzie to flock to the new free-agent linebacker. Heeney, James and Lee will have initial shots at the starting role, if they're lackluster during practices or struggle to earn the position, then, outside help will come into play.
McKenzie must manage a tight salary cap. The top three draft picks haven't been inked, and offensive guard Gabe Jackson will likely sign an extension before training camp late July. Until August, don't even excited for the latest linebacker released to waivers.
