Oakland Raiders’ Three Compensatory Picks Another Good Sign for 2012: Fan Reaction

The Oakland Raiders have been awarded three compensatory picks, a third, a fourth, and a fifth-rounder, along with the fifth and sixth-rounders the team already held. Reggie McKenzie seemed to be all smiles on Monday, and frankly, so was I, when the news was released.

The new general manager truly seems to be "the man" when it comes to decision making, and as we move toward the 2012 season my faith in him continues to grow stronger. The formula for giving out the compensatory picks is unknown, but whatever it is McKenzie remarked during a conference call with Bay Area reporters yesterday, "Let me tell you something—whatever the formula is, I love this formula. I love it. I thought I would possibly get a three, a high one, for Nnamdi (Asomugha). Now the others, obviously, this was better than what I expected. I'm extremely excited about the compensatory picks that the league has afforded the Raiders. Hopefully we can make due and have some good picks from this."

McKenzie said with the picks the team was given he'll be able to get some good players, as many starters as possible. At this point he says the only thing he wishes he had more of was " NFL money and NFL cap. "

The bulk of the changes have already been made . Stanford Routt was the first to be cut and eventually signed on with the Kansas City Chiefs. Jason Campbell and Michael Bush headed to Chicago to play for the Bears, while Kevin Boss and Kamerion Wimbley also found new homes. Oakland has gained some solid players including Shawntae Spencer, Mike Brisiel and Ronald Bartell, with the former Green Bay Packers cornerback, Pat Lee, also expected to be added to the roster shortly.

McKenzie is doing what he has to do based on their somewhat precarious financial situation, but I believe he's doing a good job at putting the pieces of the puzzle back together heading into the next season. At this point he stated, " Now you just try to wait it out and see who's the best fit for these 53 guys in the long run to make this team and then try to figure (it) out. At this point, it's going to be production and talent. It's not about money, money, money, as far as the comings and goings of players. With the goings, mainly."

McKenzie also reiterated that he has not closed the door to trading a player for more picks, commenting that it could still be possible. In regard to the draft he said, "Regardless (of where they stand now with additional picks), I'm going to use the draft to make sure we draft the best available player. And if it's at a position where we're strong at, so be it. If we feel like this is the best guy, it's a difference between adding solid starters and difference makers."

Both McKenzie and many others throughout the organization feel that 2012 will be a stronger year for the Raiders, better than it has been in a long time. Ending the 2011 season with an 8-8 record when things seemed to get off to a great start was disappointing, but in 2012 I believe we'll finally see the Silver and Black achieve a winning record and advance to the postseason. With the Denver Broncos signing Peyton Manning the Raiders may have to change their strategy up a little to slow him down, but as McKenzie said, "A re we going to be scared of him? Absolutely not."

The Raider Nation has a lot to look forward to this year.

K.C. Dermody grew up in the Bay Area of California, and has been an Oakland Raiders fan for her entire life. She has continued her loyalty to the team through its many ups and downs over the decades, and has been privileged to meet several of her favorite players, including famed quarterback, Jim Plunkett. Follow her on Twitter @kcdermody or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kcdermodywriter.

More from this contributor:

Oakland Raiders Sign Pat Lee and Re-sign Khalif Barnes, Could Bush be Staying? Fan Update

Oakland Raiders' Legendary Quarterback Jim Plunkett: Thoughts on the Past and the Team's Future

Oakland Raiders' Aaron Curry Will Stay a 'Christ-filled' Raider, Johnson and Eugene Cut: Fan's Update

Oakland Raiders' Fan's Look: Quarterback Carson Palmer Makes Sacrifices

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