If the Oakland Raiders are going to become a consistent winner, the 2014 draft class will very likely be remembered as the catalyst to the renaissance of the franchise that has long been stuck in a rebuilding phase.

Last year’s draft class was the one real bright spot in a 3-13 season. Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie, charged with turning this franchise around, looked back at the season and said his rookies were among the most reliable players on the team. The Oakland draft class, headlined by linebacker Khalil Mack and quarterback Derek Carr, is widely considered as one of the strongest in the NFL last year. It also includes some likely 2015 starters: guard Gabe Jackson, cornerback TJ Carrie and defensive tackle Justin Ellis.

No matter how good the 2014 draft class may become, it is vital for McKenzie to hit a home run with his 2015 draft choices as well.

The early returns on the class are solid. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. gave the class a B in his post-draft grades. The class is highlighted by the Raiders' first-round pick, receiver Amari Cooper, and third-round pick, tight end Clive Walford, who provide much-needed weaponry for Carr. Their second-round pick, defensive end Mario Edwards, and fourth-round pick, Jon Feliciano, will also be given a chance to start as rookies.

If this class can show the same type of potential as last year’s class, the Raiders truly may be onto something after years of floundering in the draft and on the field. A look at some teams that have enjoyed recent turnarounds show that they hit home runs in back-to-back drafts.

Seattle: In 2011, the Seahawks found five starters, including cornerback Richard Sherman and linebacker K.J. Wright. The following year, the Seahawks grabbed four starters, including linebacker Bobby Wagner in the second round and quarterback Russell Wilson in the third round. The Seahawks, who were 7-9 in 2010, have been in the past two Super Bowls and are set up to be a contender for the foreseeable future.

San Francisco: In 2010, the 49ers drafted starting offensive linemen Anthony Davis and Mike Iupati and star linebacker NaVorro Bowman. The next year, the 49ers followed with pass-rusher Aldon Smith, quarterback Colin Kaepernick and several key role players. San Francisco went to the NFC title game for three straight years after these drafts, making it to one Super Bowl.

Baltimore: In 2008, the Ravens took quarterback Joe Flacco and running back Ray Rice in the first two rounds. The next year, they followed with three more starters: tackle Michael Oher, linebacker Paul Kruger and cornerback Lardarius Webb. The Ravens have been a perennial playoff team, winning the Super Bowl in 2013.

What sticks out most about these three teams? They each found their quarterback in that two-year span, and two of the teams won a Super Bowl.

The Raiders have Carr. Pairing him with weapons Cooper and Walford in this year’s draft was necessary and smart. If Carr is going to become a franchise player, he will need help around him. McKenzie gave him help in this year’s draft. Defensively, Oakland hopes Mack, Ellis and Carrie from last year’s draft and Edwards from this year's will set the tone for a sturdy, stingy defense.

The building blocks are in place. Oakland has to continue to develop last year’s class and hope for the best from this year’s group. If in two or three years we see the Raiders at the top of the AFC, it will be chiefly because of the work McKenzie did in these past two drafts.