In the role of general manager, Reggie McKenzie has helped restore the competitiveness to the storied Oakland Raiders franchise.
By hitting on draft picks like Khalil Mack, Derek Carr, Amari Cooper and Gabe Jackson, the team has added solid building blocks on both sides of the ball.
Leading up to the 2016 NFL Draft at the end of April, NFL analyst Mike Mayock weighed in on McKenzie's tenure to date.
"He's growing into a high-level GM," Mayock said Friday on a pre-draft conference call.
[RELATED: Ranking NFL GMs: McKenzie on the rise; Baalke tumbling]
"Reggie McKenzie's first two drafts were suspect. The last two have been outstanding," he added.
In McKenzie's first three seasons as general manager, the Raiders finished with four wins or less. In 2015, the team made a step forward under new head coach Jack Del Rio, sniffing .500 by finishing 7-9.
They also beat the eventual Super Bowl champion Broncos in Denver in Week 14.
On top of the draft, McKenzie has continued to make strong personnel moves.
This offseason, Oakland became a hot spot for free agents, as McKenzie roped in offensive lineman Kelechi Osemele, pass rusher Bruce Irvin, cornerback Sean Smith and safety Reggie Nelson. The team in the calendar year also re-signed Michael Crabtree and Aldon Smith, both former top 10 picks.
McKenzie also claimed cornerback David Amerson off waivers midseason, who went on to lead the league in 2015 with 26 pass breakups. He graded higher than Darrelle Revis and Aqib Talib, according to Pro Football Focus.
McKenzie's fifth draft as Oakland GM begins April 28. The Raiders hold eight picks, including No. 14 overall in the first round.
Mayock: Reggie McKenzie's first 2 drafts were suspect. The last 2 have been outstanding. ... He's growing into high-level GM. #Raiders
— CollegeFootball 24/7 (@NFL_CFB) April 22, 2016
