Will Raiders get an immediate contribution from limited draft class?
The Autumn wind might still be a Raider, but a spring wind blew longtime scouting director Jon Kingdon out of town on Monday.
The move wasn't a reflection on Kingdon's job this past weekend. Rather, it was about general manager Reggie McKenzie putting his stamp on the organization in Oakland. As a top Al Davis lieutenant, it was simply Kingdon's time to go.
It was an anti-climatic end for the 33-year front-office veteran, who didn't have much to work with in his final draft class. The infamous Carson Palmer trade severely hamstrung the Raiders at Radio City Music Hall, where they had only one pick in the first two days.
The Raiders' first four picks (rounds 3 through 5) included Utah tackle Tony Bergstrom, San Diego State linebacker Miles Burris, Penn State defensive end Jack Crawford and Arizona wide receiver Juron Criner.
Each of the players has a chance to contribute in the NFL, but expecting an immediate impact could be pushing it. McKenzie bit the bullet this April and will likely have to do the same next year, when the Raiders will be similarly limited.
The GM walked into a mess and will need time to clean it up.
