NFL

Reinforcing the secondary is the biggest priority for the Washington Redskins in the 2013 NFL draft. However, Mike Shanahan's team also needs help along the offensive line, particularly at right tackle.

Even without a pick in the first round after the trade for Robert Griffin III in 2012, the Redskins have enough selections to fill their needs.

A tough-tackling safety, recently recovered from a horrific injury and an IVY League offensive lineman represent their best picks.

Round 2: Phillip Thomas, S, Fresno State

There are more athletic and dynamic safeties in this draft class than Phillip Thomas. However, the Redskins need the Fresno State star because of his knack for forcing turnovers.

Thomas has keen instincts in underneath coverage and a flair for getting his hands of the ball. He is also a competent run defender.

Thomas has rebounded well from the broken leg that derailed his draft hopes in 2012. He is tough and savvy enough to quickly become a starter in Washington.

The Oakland Raiders have traded for quarterback Matt Flynn, according to Fox Sports' Jay Glazer. The deal is a bold move the Raiders had to make. It gives them a fresh start under center and signals the end of veteran Carson Palmer's time in Oakland.

NFL.com's Gregg Rosenthal reports the Raiders will send a 2014 draft choice to the Seattle Seahawks, as well as a pick in 2015, for Flynn. He failed to win the starting job in Seattle after the Seahawks gave him a three-year, $26 million contract in 2012.

Flynn lost a battle with third-round pick Russell Wilson. The rookie then guided the Seahawks to an 11-5 finish and a playoff victory, while Flynn warmed the bench.

He had joined the Seahawks to escape life as a backup. He made only two starts in four seasons from 2008-11, as the chief deputy to Aaron Rodgers with the Green Bay Packers.

Coming off a season in which they ranked fifth in the NFL in total defense and 28th in total offense, the Chicago Bears have plenty of incentive to spend their first-round draft pick on a player who can help them score. However, Chicago also has two starting linebackers to replace, and they may have a shot at a potential draft steal to help do it.

As noted by ESPN, the Bears are part of a cluster of teams likely to consider drafting Notre Dame star Manti Te’o. Even with Chicago’s needs on offense, if Te’o falls to the Bears, they’ll need an awfully good alternative to make it worth passing him up.

Te’o’s stock has dropped severely in the last three months. He was hit hard by a combination of the much-discussed hoax surrounding his nonexistent girlfriend, a disastrous end to Notre Dame’s season in a BCS title game blowout and his own disappointing combine performance.

The Washington Redskins have re-signed free-agent tight end Fred Davis. The move keeps a valuable weapon of quarterback Robert Griffin III's passing attack in place.

ProFootballTalk.com reported that Davis will sign a one-year deal. It's a smart, short-term deal from the Redskins, given some of Davis's injury and disciplinary concerns.

He missed nine games in 2012 with a torn Achilles tendon. In 2011 he missed the season's final four games, serving a league suspension for drug violations.

However, when he's on the field, Davis is one of the best young players at his position in the NFL. He is a true playmaker head coach Mike Shanahan's passing schemes need.

The New Orleans Saints have agreed a deal to sign free-agent outside linebacker Victor Butler. The signing adds a player who could be key to the success of the Saints new 3-4 defense.

ESPN's Adam Schefter broke the news of the deal, which was later confirmed by NFL.com's Ian Rapoport.

Butler has spent his first four pro seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, as the chief backup to DeMarcus Ware and Anthony Spencer. He is a natural edge-rusher in a 3-4 front.

At 6'2" and 245 pounds, Butler has the right frame and quickness to collapse the pass pocket from the outside. The 25-year-old has showcased some good pass-rush potential in Dallas.