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Report: Gruden's personnel system causing divide in Raiders' building

Sean M. Haffey / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The personnel system Jon Gruden uses to assess players has caused a disconnect within the Oakland Raiders' organization, a source told NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

Gruden has reportedly been leaning on his own expertise and circle of talent evaluators since returning to Oakland, marginalizing the role of general manager Reggie McKenzie while cutting ties with many of his acquisitions and draft picks.

Although McKenzie and his group are free to voice their opinions in meetings with team brass, it's clear to many scouts hired by McKenzie that Gruden values the opinions of his own circle much more, according to the report.

Gruden also reportedly used a separate draft board and pro board from McKenzie and his cohorts in the offseason.

Many of the Raiders' personnel decisions since Gruden returned - mainly the trade of star pass-rusher Khalil Mack - have been head-scratching to observers outside the organization.

The former Super Bowl champion returned to coach the Raiders on a massive 10-year, $100-million contract in January after nine seasons as a broadcaster on Monday Night Football.

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