ALAMEDA -- Rather than being proactive with the third pick in the NFL draft Thursday, Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie is sitting back and letting the draft come to him.
In a news conference Tuesday, McKenzie said he has been on the phone with potential trade suitors but that he wasn't the one doing the dialing.
"We're just feeling around right now," McKenzie said. "Nothing is concrete ... just peripheral conversations."
A year after there were nine trades involving first-round picks, only the Minnesota Vikings and New York Jets have made moves so far, getting additional first-round selections in exchange for Percy Harvin (to Seattle) and Darrelle Revis (to Tampa Bay).
Having dealt their second-round pick to Cincinnati for Carson Palmer in 2011, the Raiders have been speculated as a potential trade partner for a team looking to move up.
As it stands, the Raiders don't have another pick until the third round, No. 66 overall, after they pick at No. 3.
"We'll do whatever helps the Raiders the most," McKenzie said. "If it's staying there and making the pick, we'll weigh that against what's on the floor. In some cases, the offer may be too good to pass up."
Getting an additional pick or picks would fall in line with McKenzie's philosophy of building from within. Asked about the perception that the Raiders resemble an expansion team given their salary cap situation and roster, McKenzie didn't disagree but said, "To say we're just going to take our lumps and play ball, that's not the goal here. The goal here is to compete and win games."
More observations from McKenzie on the draft and the state of the franchise as he approaches his second draft as general manager:
Quarterback Matt Flynn will begin the first organized team practice sessions as the starter.
The Raiders won't draft for need in the first round. "I think you try and draft the best player, and fill that need down the line," McKenzie said.
Versatility is coveted, but not as much as skill that can make an immediate impact.
"I want to try and get someone here who can change the game," McKenzie said. "If it's a solid, versatile player vs. a difference maker? You take the difference maker."
Fans can soon expect to see a team that matches the philosophy of the front office and coaching staff.
"That's going to be ongoing. It started when I got here," McKenzie said. "When do you start to see its transformation? Hopefully this season. We've had a good offseason and another draft."
Players who might have character issues, such as LSU defensive back Tyrann Mathiew, will be judged case by case.
"You just have to go with your gut, not with all the 'he said, she said' stuff," McKenzie said. "You have all the information in front of you. You talk with him and you go with yea or nay."
The quarterback class might have some hidden gems.
"I don't see Andrew Luck or RG III, (but) guys are beating up this class, and you're going to get some solid quarterbacks," McKenzie said. "We can get spoiled by certain classes. There are going to be some players that surprise you."
RAIDERS PICKS
First round (No. 3); third round (No. 66); fourth round (No. 100); sixth round (Nos. 172, 176, 205); seventh round (No. 209)
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