Oakland Raiders: Mike Mayock hire feels off-the-street like

The Oakland Raiders began their search for a new GM after dismissing Reggie McKenzie who’d been in that position since 2012.

It took a couple of weeks but they seem to have found their man, and he’s a surprise. Mike Mayock is a former NFL player who has carved out a role the past several years as one of the most respected draft analysts in the business. His work with NFL Network is considered must-see every spring and he’s also gotten in time as an announcer for games, helping to expand his experience.

It’s interesting that this would be their choice. According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, Mayock actually interviewed for the job years back when Al Davis was still alive. It seems Davis’ son never forgot that experience and decided to pull the trigger this time with the blessing of head coach Jon Gruden, another guy who came out of the media booth.

Oakland Raiders needed a figurehead and they got one

Facts are facts. Mayock is somebody the Raiders are settling for. It shouldn’t be a surprise somebody like him was the choice. It’s because he wasn’t in high demand. He’s someone who’s wanted to get into the front office for years but never could because there were more qualified options available. This opportunity came up because the Raiders were looking for somebody to merely fill the title role, not actually be anybody with real power.

The man calling the shots was and remains Gruden himself. He’s the head coach but one with the added powers of GM. Mayock is less a front office decision-maker and more an extra pair of eyes Gruden will use in evaluating talent. The GM title itself is nothing more than ceremonial. He’s an extra pair of experienced eyes. It’s no surprise he was the choice. The Raiders were never going to get anybody of note to take that job.

How many prominent GM candidates would willingly take a job where they have little say in the players being picked? The Raiders settled for Mayock and it seems both they and he are fine with that.