ALAMEDA -– Reggie McKenzie was not in a giving mood during Friday’s NFL-mandated pre-draft press conference. Most queries to the Raiders general manager were parried without conceding an ounce of information.
It wasn’t bothersome. Putting duct tape over their mouths was an understandable stance just days before an ultra-competitive enterprise. That’s why, at some points, he and head coach Jack Del Rio were forthright in not answering questions. They even came with explanations why.
That made the following exchange was so surprising.
Reporter: Have you gotten phone calls from other teams inquiring about the No. 4 overall pick?
McKenzie: (pause) Yes.
It’s not shocking news that teams would gauge McKenzie’s interest in trading out of the No. 4 overall pick. It’s rational for McKenzie to know what he might get for the selection.
Time flies when you’re on the clock. It’s best to be prepared.
[BAIR: Del Rio heavily involved in Raiders draft process]
This doesn’t provide insight into whether the Raiders will trade their top pick. In a month where teams lie to gain leverage in the high-stakes NFL draft, we don’t know with absolute certainty if it’s true. Trading down could happen, given the Raiders’ large need for quality players.
It was a rare piece of information from a press conference designed to be a desert. It underlines one point. McKenzie is willing to listen to first-round trade talk heading towards the draft’s first day.
“My phone line is always open,” McKenzie said. “You hear everybody out. If it makes sense and it’s going to help the Raiders, we’ll do a deal.”
