Raiders coach Jack Del Rio: Derek Carr is 'a special young talent'
Oakland Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio says he thinks the team can win and build around quarterback Derek Carr.
Carr was drafted in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft and started all 16 games during his rookie season for the Raiders, going 3-13. He completed 58 percent of his passes for 3,270 yards with 21 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Del Rio appeared on the "Jim Rome Show" on Monday and was asked about Carr and the future of the franchise.
• KLEMKO: Inside secondary Super Bowl ticket market
"Carr's a special young talent," Del Rio said. "He's got a really quick release, good decision-maker; he's shown some of that grit we're looking for, some of that toughness, so he's a guy that we feel like we have an opportunity to build around."
Del Rio, who spent the last three seasons as the Denver Broncos' defensive coordinator, was hired last month to replace Dennis Allen, who was fired in September.
Interim head coach Tony Sparano led the team after Allen was fired for the final 12 games of the season, compiling a 3-9 record. Del Rio was the Jacksonville Jaguars' head coach from 2003-11, leading the franchise to two playoff trips and a 68-71 regular-season record.
• Report: NFL may stream one 2015 regular season game online
Del Rio also said it was a “dream come true” being hired by the Raiders, since he is a Northern California native.
“Being able to come home from a storied franchise like this and the welcome I’ve had from the Raider Nation has been awesome.”
Oakland has not made the playoffs since 2002.
- Scooby Axson
