Raiders GM Mike Mayock: Jon Gruden Has 'Final Say' on Team Decisions

Oakland Raiders general manager Mike Mayock said Monday he accepted the job knowing head coach Jon Gruden has "final say" on all roster decisions.

Mayock stated he has "zero problems" with that power dynamic during a conversation with ESPN's Steve Levy (via Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com).

"Now, having said that, I think we're going to come to a consensus, and I like a little yelling, a little screaming, a little fighting for what players you believe in," he said. "But at the end of the day, I guarantee you, Jon Gruden and I are going to know what a Raider looks like and smells like. I don't think we're going to have any issues."

The 60-year-old Philadelphia native joined the Raiders from the NFL Network, where he spent the past 15 years as a draft analyst. He was best known for his work during the annual NFL Scouting Combine.

Mayock is a former NFL and CFL defensive back who's taking a front-office job for the first time. He's replacing Reggie McKenzie, who was fired in December after nearly seven seasons as Oakland GM.

He's hopeful the Raiders, who were tied for the league's second-worst record in 2018 at 4-12, can bounce back quickly with Gruden and quarterback Derek Carr as the foundation.

"It can happen quickly, and, again, we've got a great head coach and a great quarterback," Mayock told Levy. "We've got three first-round picks this year, two next year and a little money to spend in free agency. So, what I can tell you is we're going to start with the basics, and I think over the next couple of years, you'll see a huge increase in the talent level of the Raiders."

The turnaround is made more important by the team's impending move to Las Vegas in 2020. The Raiders' home for next season remains uncertain following a federal lawsuit filed by Oakland with the city alleging the franchise is making an "illegal move."

Mayock faces a challenge, however, as he inherits a hole-filled roster that ranked 23rd in total offense and 26th in total defense this past season.

The rebuilding project begins in the first round of the 2019 draft with three picks, including the No. 4 overall selection.