Rumors are swirling about the availability of Troy Smith and Derek Anderson, and the prospect of one of them coming to Oakland. This speculation is, in my opinion, an exercise in futility.
Al Davis has made up his mind about who he wants to see competing for the Raiders starting quarterback job. His second round tender on Bruce Gradkowski, the retention of JaMarcus Russell, and the free-agent signing of J.P. Losman are clear signs of what the boss wants.
In Oakland, what the boss wants, the boss gets.
That said, is it possible for Davis to make a run at one of these two players? Probably not, but that doesn't stop the rumor mill.
The fact is, signing either of these men would instantly upgrade the quarterback position in Oakland; either of them would automatically become the best player on the team at that position.
Troy Smith is an intriguing player. A live arm, great mobility, a legitimate threat with his legs, and, according to his Raven teammates, a leader.
The Heisman trophy winner had proven to John Harbaugh that he was good enough to start for Baltimore over Joe Flacco in 2008. Unfortunately, Smith became ill and lost his shot to Flacco, who stepped in and played extremely well in his rookie year.
The knock on Troy is his size. Listed at 6'0" and 225 pounds, he is a bit undersized to be considered a prototypical quarter back. Really? Tell that to Jeff Garcia and the "undersized" Super Bowl MVP, Drew Brees! Both of these players are smaller than Smith and enjoyed success in the league.
Derek Anderson is a player that seems to fit the Raiders' scheme of deep passing and playaction. Big arm, great size at 6'6" and 229 pounds, and a Pro Bowl under his belt. In that Pro Bowl season, Derek put up good numbers while surrounded by talent that was, at best, average.
The issue Anderson is mos...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
