The cheesecake may soon stand alone.
With experts and analysts and reporters making it clear that no quarterback in this class is worthy of a top-10 pick, 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 -- which would allow them to run the same offense with either guy. Unlike the Redskins or the 49ers or the Panthers or any other team with a mobile starter.
Of course, it all could be a smokescreen aimed at persuading teams like the Cardinals or Bills to trade up to the third spot.
Regardless, the dearth of quarterbacks (as evidenced by the haul the Niners will receive for Alex Smith) will prompt quarterback-needy franchises to do desperate things. A trade up to No. 3 could be the end result.