According to ESPN's Chris Mortensen via Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, Oakland could be a sleeper team to draft this year's consensus top rookie passer:
The Raiders could be pouncing on West Virginia quarterback Geno Smith with the third overall selection.
Chris Mortensen of ESPN reports that there are rumors of the team’s interest in Smith, who by virtue of the fact that he was the fastest quarterback in Indy makes him an obvious candidate to play for the Raiders.
If the Raiders take him, Carson Palmer likely would be cut. And if Terrelle Pryor remains as the backup, the Raiders would become the first team to go two deep with mobile quarterbacks
This is quite intriguing.
Therefore, let's check out how Smith would impact the Silver and Black.
Smith enjoyed a strong college career with 98 touchdown passes to just 21 picks. Factor in a completion percentage of 67.4 percent, and it's evident that he has strong and reliable decision-making skill for a potential NFL quarterback.
With a strong arm, impressive accuracy and mobility, Smith possesses the overall skill set and talent to quickly develop. There's also some talent for him to build around in Oakland.
For one, the rushing attack of Darren McFadden would immediately take pressure off the rookie. Defenses will likely stack the box and force Oakland to throw, but the presence of McFadden does set up play-action.
Secondly, there is the versatility of Marcel Reece. He collected 767 total yards in 2012, averaged 4.6 yards per rush and caught 52 passes. Include the fast receiver set of Rod Streater, Darrius Heyward-Bey and Denarius Moore, and Smith will be able to spread the field nicely.
Each of these three receivers is capable of accumul...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
