The trade for quarterback Geno Smith was one of the stunners of this March, and it also was one of the clearest upgrades at any position. Tight end Brock Bowers was an All-Pro as a rookie — he caught 112 passes for nearly 1,200 yards despite substandard quarterback play — so imagine what he should do with Smith, who completed 70 percent of his passes last year. The presence of Pete Carroll means a proven system will be in place, the kind of organization that has been lacking for this franchise. Las Vegas still needs a lot more pieces, but with Maxx Crosby fully onboard, Tom Brady having input on decisions — and acting as a recruiter — and Carroll bringing his vaunted culture, the seeds have been planted for the Raiders to finally build something sustainable.
