Pete Carroll and the Las Vegas Raiders want to compete this year. They want to win this year -- no rebuilding. And, while it's not likely for them to make a postseason run, they are definitely closer now than they were last season.

The Las Vegas Raiders have always been the type of franchise that marches to the beat of its own drummer – for better or for worse. The Raiders’ acquisition of Geno Smith has opened the door for a non-quarterback first-round draft pick.