Frankles

PFT reports that the Patriots just released Brandon Deaderick, who started several games for the Pats and played meaningful snaps in important games. This is exactly the kind of player who Reg should be looking out for on the waiver wire.

The Raiders do not at all seem poised to select a QB in the first or second round and, therefore, will miss the boat on Geno Smith. However, after watching this episode of QB Camp, my faith in the Raiders' ability to trade down in the draft to a team looking for a franchise QB has been restored. Gruden was highly impressed by two things about Geno in particular: 1.) Geno ran a no-huddle, very fast-paced offense that requires smarts and lots of preparation. 2) Geno clearly understands his own offense and can read defenses at the line. After watching this, I have a hunch that Geno will go in the top 3.

Stop the run. The Raiders have failed miserably to stop the rushing attack of opponents for years, but under the direction and revamped schemes of new head coach, Dennis Allen, the promise of an improved run defense is finally tangible. Is the Raiders defensive line "set" or should Reggie and gang look to add a proven veteran of a run stuffer in Shaun Smith who was just cut by the Titans? If the Raiders had their choice between improving their pass rush with Andre Carter or shoring up their run defense, I think the answer is clear - stop the run!

Has the mystery been solved? Will the Raiders enter the season with Brandon Myers leading the Tight Ends? Myers seems to think so...and so does Carson Palmer, apparently.