Oakland Raiders: Why Extending Marcel Reece Is a Great Move

Nov 4, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders fullback Marcel Reece (45) is defended by Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Myron Lewis (23) on a 13-yard touchdown reception in the fourth quarter at the O.co Coliseum. The Buccaneers defeated the Raiders 42-32. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-USA TODAY Sports

The Oakland Raiders are a team in flux. There’s no denying the fact that they are in full rebuild mode. Rebuild doesn’t have to be all bad, though. Players like Marcel Reece can make this transition a little more bearable. Such a versatile player, as Reece is, can be a building block to work around. He is a leader, and a role model for younger players to learn from and emulate, which is why locking him up for three more years is a great move.

Coming into the league as an undrafted free agent, Reece has fought tooth and nail to be where he is today. He has put in the work and long hours of practice and studying, taking the time to really learn the game. He worked up from the practice squad all the way up to the starting lineup and became one of Oakland’s most beloved players because of his connection to the fans and the hard work he puts out on the field.

Reece’s work ethic is one that should be emulated and studied by incoming rookies. A rebuilding team such as Oakland needs true students of the game that are willing to work to be the best. Reece can teach these new players to be just like him: Students of the Game.

Converting from a wide receiver to fullback has made Reece a matchup nightmare. Standing 6′ 1″, 255 pounds while running a 4.42 40- yard dash, Reece is a hard man to cover. He is an offensive coordinator’s utility knife. Couple him with Darren McFadden, and new-found dual-threat quarterback Terrelle Pryor, and opposing defenses will have a nightmare trying to contain all three of these speedsters.

All the different formations, all the different options, it’s an offensive coordinator’s dream and a defensive coordinator’s nightmare. Having players like Reece in the offense automatically puts a wrinkle in the game-plan.

Reggie McKenzie knows he has to lock up his key pieces before they hit the free-agent market. He is looking to the future, and sees Reece as a building block in building the offense of the future. Starting with the backfield, Reggie is putting that trust in Reece to anchor it down at the fullback position. Here’s to looking to the future of The Raiders organization, and it starts with the re-signing of Marcel Reece.