The Raiders have a long history of great players to wear the silver and black. As the NFL celebrates its 100th season in 2019, Raiders Wire set out to establish the hierarchy of those greats. Without further ado, here are our rankings of the 100 best players in Raiders history.
100. FB Zack Crockett (1996-2006)
During his prime, Crockett was widely considered the best short-yardage runner in the NFL. From 2002 to 2003, Crockett scored 15 touchdowns, most of which came from the 1-yard line. While he never made the Pro Bowl, Crockett deserves to be ranked on this list.
99. WR Mervyn Fernandez (1987-1992)
You can’t make a top-100 list of the best Raiders and leave out Fernandez. During the late 1980s, Fernandez was one of the best deep threats in all of football. In 1988, he averaged an absurd 26 yards per reception on 31 catches (805 yards). His best season came in 1989 when he caught 57 passes for 1,069 yards and nine touchdowns. He finished his career with 3,764 receiving yards and 19 touchdowns in 86 games.
98. DE Ike Lassiter (1965-1969)
Lassiter was originally a ninth-round pick by the Los Angeles Rams in 1962. He joined the Raiders in 1965 and went on to have a solid career, starting 69 games in Oakland. The best year of his career came in 1966, when he was named to the Pro Bowl and was a second-team AP All-Pro selection.
97. DE Derrick Burgess (2005-2008)
For a two-year stretch, Burgess was one of the best edge rushers in the NFL. The former Eagles standout made the Pro Bowl for the Raiders in 2005 and 2006 after recording an absurd 27 sacks in 28 starts. He finished his career starting 52 games for the Raiders and accumulating 38.5 sacks and 39 tackles for loss.
96. TE Jared Cook (2017-2018)
While Cook played just two years in Oakland, you can make a case that he is one of the top five tight ends in team history. During the 2018 season, Cook led the Raiders in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns as he was named to the first Pro Bowl of his career.
Cook left via free agency to join the New Orleans Saints, but that doesn’t take away from just how productive he was during his short time in Oakland.
95. QB Jeff George (1997-1998)
By all accounts, George was one of the biggest draft busts in NFL history after being selected No. 1 overall by the Colts in the 1990 draft. George was able to stick around the league for 12 years due to his elite arm but never found much success.
However, that’s not necessarily true about his stint in Oakland. In 1997, George threw for a career-high 3,917 yards and 29 touchdowns. During that season, he had a passer rating of 91.2 as he threw just nine interceptions. While the team struggled (4-12), it was easily the best season of George’s career. And for his performance in that one season, he comes in at No. 95 on our list of the greatest Raiders of all time.
94. FS Reggie Nelson (2016-2018)
Nelson played just three years with the Raiders, but he made a massive impact during that time. In 2016, Nelson started all 16 games and led the team in interceptions with five. He was named to the second Pro Bowl of his career as he was routinely thought of as one of the best center fielders in the NFL.
Nelson started 39 games for the Raiders over three seasons and tallied 183 total tackles, eight interceptions and two forced fumbles.
93. FS Rod Woodson (2002-2003)
While Woodson didn’t join the Raiders until late into his 30s, he still deserves a spot on this list for what he did during the 2002 season. Playing as a free safety, Woodson recorded eight interceptions, scored two touchdowns and was named an AP All-Pro.
Woodson played a total of just 26 games for the Raiders, but his one big year makes him a worthwhile pick for the top 100.
92. SS Ronnie Lott (1991-1992)
Much like Rod Woodson, Lott will certainly be remembered for his days with another team — the 49ers — before arriving in Oakland. However, don’t forget about the run he had with the Raiders. Lott played just two years in Oakland, but he made an All-Pro team in 1991 after recording eight interceptions and tallying 93 tackles.
Being one of the greatest safeties in the history of the NFL is worth a spot among the top 100 Raiders.
91. DL Dan Birdwell (1962-1969)
In the sixth round of the 1962 AFL draft, the Raiders grabbed Birdwell, who quickly became one of the better defensive linemen in all of football, making the All-Pro team in 1968. He played eight years with the Raiders, bouncing between defensive end and defensive tackle.
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90. CB Kent McCloughan (1965-1970)
After being selected by the Redskins in the third round of the 1965 draft and then released, McCloughan signed with the Raiders and went on to have a stellar career with the Silver and Black. McCloughan was twice named to the All-Pro team (1966, 1967) and played in 67 games for the Raiders. He finished his career with 15 interceptions.
89. TE Zach Miller (2007-2010)
In the second round of the 2007 draft, the Raiders selected Miller out of Arizona State. He quickly became a big part of their offense, starting all 16 games as a rookie. The best year of his career came in 2010 when he caught 60 passes for 685 yards and five touchdowns as he was named to the Pro Bowl. Miller was always an above-average tight end and a steal for Oakland in the second round.
88. LG Kelechi Osemele (2016-2018)
Osemele signed with the Raiders after the 2015 season and instantly became one of the best guards in all of football. In 2016, he was an All-Pro selection and then made the Pro Bowl once again in 20017. While his career in Oakland wasn’t long, he was spectacular during his three-year stretch with the Raiders.
87. CB Eric Allen (1998-2001)
By the time he arrived with the Raiders in his mid-30s, Allen was a six-time All-Pro defender who had spent time with the Eagles and the Saints. However, Allen still played at a high level in Oakland, intercepting 15 passes in four seasons. His best year was in 2000, when he had six interceptions and three defensive touchdowns at the age of 35.
86. C Stefen Wisniewski (2011-2014)
The nephew of Raiders great Steve Wisniewski was selected by Oakland in the second round of the 2011 draft. He started four seasons for the Raiders, playing both guard and center. While he won a Super Bowl with the Eagles after the 2017 season, there is no doubt that his best football came early in his career in Oakland.
85. DT Russell Maryland (1996-1999)
Many will rightfully remember Maryland as the player who went No. 1 overall during the 1991 draft to the Dallas Cowboys. However, the best football of his career might have come in Oakland from 1996 to 1999. Maryland started 63 games for the Raiders, tallying 166 solo tackles and 10 sacks. While the stats aren’t fantastic, he was an above-average starter for the Raiders.
84. RB Tyrone Wheatley (1999-2004)
Wheatley spent six years with the Raiders, and the best stretch of his career came during 1999 and 2000, where he rushed for nearly 2,000 yards and scored 21 touchdowns in 22 starts. Wheatley was both a capable runner and receiver who shone in Oakland.
83. QB Jeff Hostetler (1993-1996)
Hostetler is better known for leading the Giants to victory in Super Bowl XXV, but he actually had a successful career with the Raiders in his mid-30s. Hostetler started 55 games for the Raiders, going 33-22. His best season came in 1994 when he made the Pro Bowl after leading the Raiders to a record of 9-7. While he’s not one of the top five quarterbacks in team history, he deserves to be mentioned on this list.
82. WR Art Powell (1963-1966)
For about four seasons, Powell was considered one of the best receivers in football, if not the best. From 1963 to 1966, he made four consecutive Pro Bowls after catching 254 passes for 4,491 yards and 50 touchdowns. Powell averaged an absurd 17.7 yards per reception during his Oakland career.
81. LB Monte Johnson (1973-1979)
During the team’s Super Bowl XI win, Johnson was the starting inside linebacker. He was originally a second-round pick by the team in 1973 and went on to appear in 99 games over seven seasons with the Raiders.
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80. DB Vann McElroy (1982-1990)
With the No. 64 pick in the 1982 draft, the Los Angeles Raiders selected McElroy from Baylor. He quickly developed into one of the best free safeties in the NFL, making the Pro Bowl in 1983 and 1984. McElroy spent nine years with the Raiders, starting 88 games and accumulating 31 interceptions.
79. DT John Matuszak (1976-1981)
Matuszak might be better known for his career in film and TV. But he still is one of the best players in Raiders history, starting 72 games for the team from 1977-1981. He was a key player in both of the team’s Super Bowl wins during that span and was one of the most physically intimidating defensive linemen in the NFL at 6 feet 8 and 272 pounds.
78. LB Kirk Morrison (2005-2009)
From 2005 to 2009, there might not have been a more consistent linebacker in the league than Morrison. During his five years in Oakland, he missed just one start (first game of his rookie season) and went on to record 631 tackles, 41 tackles for a loss and six forced fumbles. Morrison was a stabilizing player for the Raiders for half a decade.
77. WR Michael Crabtree (2015-2017)
While Crabtree wasn’t drafted by the Raiders, the best he ever played in his career was in Oakland. From 2015 to 2017, Crabtree and Amari Cooper formed one of the best wide receiver duos in the NFL.
With Derek Carr throwing to him during those three seasons, Crabtree caught 232 passes for 2,543 yards and 25 touchdowns. He became a red-zone monster and provided the physicality that Oakland lacked on offense.
76. RB Charlie Garner (2001-2003)
Garner played for four teams over 11 seasons, but one of his best years in the NFL came in 2002 with the Raiders. Playing with Rich Gannon, Tim Brown and Jerry Rice, the scatback totaled 1,903 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns in the Oakland’s pass-heavy offense. Garner played three total seasons with the Raiders, accumulating more than 4,200 total yards and 18 touchdowns.
75. DB Michael Huff (2006-2012)
When the Raiders selected Huff with the No. 7 pick in the 2006 NFL draft, the hope was that he would turn into the next Charles Woodson. He was a highly versatile defensive back who could play all over the field.
While that never happed, Huff did develop into a quality player for Oakland, starting 93 games over seven seasons. Huff recorded 438 tackles, 53 pass deflections and 11 interceptions as he spent most of his career as a free safety.
74. DT Darrell Russell (1997-2001)
For about five seasons, it appeared the Raiders had the league’s next up-and-coming star defensive tackle in the league with Russell. From 1998 to 1999, he recorded 19.5 sacks and 15 tackles for a loss as he made back-to-back Pro Bowls. But his game quickly dropped off and he was then suspended for substance abuse in 2002. He never returned to the Raiders and failed to start another game.
73. OL Bruce Davis (1979-1987)
Davis was the Raiders’ starting left tackle for 115 games. While he never made a Pro Bowl, he was an integral part of the roster for both of their Super Bowl wins in the 1980s as the blindside protector.
72. DT Richard Seymour (2009-2012)
In 2009, the Raiders made the bold move of trading for 30-year-old Seymour from the New England Patriots. While the team only got four years out of the veteran, he was dominant during the 2010 and 2011 seasons. Seymour finished his Oakland career by starting 52 games, tallying 139 total tackles, 42 quarterback hits and 18.5 sacks.
71. OT Donald Penn (2014-2017)
From 2014-2017, Penn was widely regarded as one of the best left tackles in the league. He started 66 games for the Raiders, making the Pro Bowl in 2016 and 2017. While career didn’t last all that long in Oakland, he was an important player during their 12-4 season in 2016.
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70. FB Marcel Reece (2009-2015)
For a few years, Reece was one of the most versatile players in the NFL. Starting games at fullback, running back and tight end, Reece made three consecutive Pro Bowls from 2012 to 2014 as he caught 121 passes in Oakland’s offense. Reece finished his seven-year career in Oakland with 2,859 total yards from scrimmage and 15 touchdowns.
69. DB Tyvon Branch (2008-2014)
One player that was severely underrated during his career in Oakland was Branch. While he struggled with injuries for a few seasons, he was one of the best tackling safeties in football. From 2009 to 2012, Branch recorded 323 solo tackles and 23 tackles for loss.
He was never much of a ballhawk for the Raiders (four career interceptions), but he was a fantastic player in the run game.
68. RG Gabe Jackson (2014-present)
With the No. 81 pick in the 2014 NFL draft, the Raiders stole a player who would become one of the best guards in the league. Since 2014, Jackson has started 72 games for the Raiders and he has always been a fringe Pro Bowl player. If he can stay healthy, Jackson should have no problem racking up the Pro Bowl appearances in the near future.
67. C Rodney Hudson (2015-present)
Hudson has proved to be one of the best centers of this decade. He has already made two Pro Bowl teams and is always rated highly by Pro Football Focus’ metrics. Hudson has started 61 games for the Raiders over four seasons and is looking to add to that number over the next several years.
66. RB Darren McFadden (2008-2014)
While McFadden may have never lived up to the hype of being the No. 4 overall pick in the 2008 draft, he was still a special player when he was on the field. Despite playing in just 83 games for the Raiders, McFadden totaled 6,016 yards and 30 touchdowns. He was electric with the football in his hands despite playing on several poor teams.
65. DT Bill Pickel (1983-1990)
Can nose tackles get some love? From 1983 to 1990, Pickel was widely considered one of the best interior defensive linemen in the entire league. His career started off with a bang as he recorded 42.5 sacks in his first four seasons. However, his play then fell off and he became more of a pure nose tackle with the Raiders. Pickel appeared in 174 games during his 12-year career in the NFL, making the Pro Bowl once in 1986.
64. RB Pete Banaszak (1966-1978)
Figuring out where to slot Banaszak is tough. While he started just 36 games in his career for Oakland, he was an important role player for more than an entire decade for the Raiders. His best season came in 1975 when he scored 16 touchdowns on just 187 carries.
However, Banaszak never had a season with 700 rushing yards and never was a full-time player in Oakland.
63. DT Tommy Kelly (2004-2012)
During the 2000s, Kelly was a force for the Raiders. He started 117 games for the team, tallying 58 quarterback hits and 34.5 sacks.
However, his specialty was stopping the run, and his ability to move up and down the defensive line made him a valuable asset. Kelly finished his career with 478 total tackles in 11 total seasons.
62. FS Eddie Anderson (1987-1997)
Anderson started 116 games and was a consistent ballhawk during his time with the Silver and Black, picking off 19 passes and recording 813 tackles.
While he never made a Pro Bowl, Anderson was always considered one of the better safeties in the league during the early 1990s.
61. G Mickey Marvin (1977-1987)
During the late 1970s through the 1980s, the Raiders had the same starting right guard: Marvin. While he never made a Pro Bowl, he was a quality guard who started 108 games for the team over 11 seasons. Considering the Raiders spent just a fourth-round pick to acquire him, that has to be viewed as quite a steal.
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60. OL Barry Sims (1999-2007)
Throughout their history, the Raiders have a ton of quality offensive linemen who never received the recognition they deserved. One such player is Sims, who started 199 games for the team. He played both tackle and guard for Oakland, often switching from game to game depending on where they needed him.
59. LB Greg Biekert (1993-2001)
During the 1990s, one of the most underrated linebackers in the league was Greg Biekert. While he never made a Pro Bowl or an All-Pro team, all Biekert did was stay on the field and make tackles. He started 123 games for the Raiders, making 916 total tackles, 24 tackles for loss and 15 sacks.
58. DT Chester McGlockton (1992-1997)
During the mid-1990s, there were few defensive tackles better than McGlockton. The former Clemson player made four consecutive Pro Bowls, tallying 29.5 sacks during that span. He played six years for the Raiders, appearing 90 total games and recording 39.5 sacks. He finished his career with 51 sacks as he played for the Chiefs, Broncos and Jets as well.
57. WR Jerry Rice (2001-2004)
Rice is obviously known for his days in San Francisco, but his short run in Oakland can’t be ignored. He was still one of the best receivers in the league during his four seasons with the Raiders, and he made the Pro Bowl in 2002 at the age of 40. Together, he and Tim Brown were one of the best wide receiver duos that year and they helped lead the Raiders to the Super Bowl.
56. WR Amari Cooper (2015-2018)
While Cooper’s career in Oakland didn’t last as long as many hoped, it’s hard to deny just how effective he was. During the first three years of his career, he tallied 2,903 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns. Cooper made two Pro Bowl teams and was on his way to becoming one of the best receivers in the league before he was traded to Dallas.
55. TE Raymond Chester (1970-1972, 1978-1981)
Chester had two stints with the Raiders. He was drafted by the team in 1970 and played three years before moving on to Baltimore. He rejoined Oakland in 1978 and played the final four years of his career.
Chester was a star early in his career, making three consecutive Pro Bowls as he caught a total of 22 touchdowns in three years. Chester finished his career with 131 starts and four Pro Bowl appearances, and was a significant contributor in the team’s Super Bowl XV win.
54. RB Clarence Davis (1971-1978)
While Davis was never a full-time back in Oakland, he was a significant contributor for eight years with the Silver and Black. His claim to fame was his performance during the 1976 playoff run, where he totaled 232 yards in three games, averaging 6.3 yards per touch as he helped lead the Raiders to a Super Bowl win.
53. FB Marv Hubbard (1969-1975)
Fullbacks don’t get a lot of love on this list, but Hubbard was a different cat. He made three consecutive Pro Bowls from 1971-1973 and tallied 4,394 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns in Oakland. During the early 1970s, there were very few fullbacks who were as versatile and dominant as Hubbard.
52. P Shane Lechler (2000-2012)
The Raiders have had quite the history of finding elite punters. The second-best punter in franchise history (we will get to No. 1 later) is Lechler. Lechler played 13 years for the Raiders, making seven Pro Bowls and six All-Pro teams.
In his career, he averaged an incredible 47.6 yards per punt and had just five total kicks blocked. Lechler should be remembered as one of the best punters of his generation.
51. K Sebastian Janikowski (2000-2016)
“Sea-Bass” won’t be the only kicker on the list, but he is an important person in Raiders history. Janikowski was a first-round pick by the team in the 2000 draft and he went on to play 17 years for the Raiders. Janikowski made over 80 percent of his kicks with Oakland, including 55 kicks over 50 yards.
While he is only a one-time Pro Bowl selection, Janikowski has been one of the best kickers over the last two decades.
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50. LB Gus Otto (1965-1972)
Another linebacker that deserves to be mentioned in the top 50 is Otto, who spent his entire career in Oakland and appeared in 102 games. The best season of his career came in 1969, where he made the Pro Bowl after recording two interceptions.
49. OT Harry Schuh (1965-1970)
One of the best tackles through the 1960s was Schuh, who started 69 games for the Raiders. During his time with Oakland, he made three Pro Bowl teams before leaving for the Rams. Schuh makes the list at No. 49 for just how dominant he was during his initial seasons for the Raiders.
48. OG Wayne Hawkins (1960-1969)
From 1963 to 1967, there wasn’t a better guard in the league than Hawkins. For five consecutive seasons, Hawkins made the Pro Bowl and was one of the nastiest guards in the league. He appeared in 136 games for the Raiders and is one of the best offensive linemen in Raiders history.
47. OG George Buehler (1969-1978)
Another excellent guard from the late 1960s to the early 1970s was Buehler, who appeared in 137 games during his NFL career. Buehler started in Super Bowl XI and was a consistent part of their offensive line for the better part of a decade.
46. QB Derek Carr (2014-present)
While Carr’s career is still going, it’s not hard to make an argument for him to be in the top 50. Carr already has started 78 games for the Raiders and has been selected to three Pro Bowls in five years. Carr still has a ton of time to build on these numbers and has a chance to finish in the top 20 when it’s all said and done.
45. DB Dave Grayson (1965-1970)
While most of his best football came in the AFL, Grayson had quite the career in the NFL. He was with the Raiders for six years, making the Pro Bowl six total times in his career. Grayson’s best year came in 1968, when he finished the season with 10 interceptions in 14 games.
44. DT Ben Davidson (1964-1971)
At 6 feet 8, Davidson is one of the tallest players in team history. He appeared in 152 games for the Raiders, making the Pro Bowl three times. His best season came in 1967, when he was elected to the All-Pro team. Davidson was another player with a fierce attitude that embraced the Raiders way.
43. FB Mark Van Eeghen (1974-1981)
Van Eeghen played eight seasons for Oakland, rushing for 5,907 yards and 35 touchdowns. He started at fullback in two of the team’s Super Bowls and provided reliability on both the ground and in the passing game.
42. DE Greg Townsend (1983-1997)
Who is the all-time sack leader in Raiders history? Yep, it’s none other than Townsend, who played 12 years with the Raiders. Townsend finished his career with 109.5 sacks and 15 forced fumbles. He is the only Raider ever to reach 100 sacks.
41. DE Otis Sistrunk (1972-1978)
One of the most versatile defensive linemen in Raiders history, Sistrunk started 98 games for the Raiders, playing defensive end, defensive tackle and nose tackle. He made his only Pro Bowl after the 1974 season and was a key part of their 1976 Super Bowl run. Sistrunk went on to become a professional wrestler, which is quite an interesting footnote.
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40. DE Khalil Mack (2014-2017)
While the Mack era ended poorly in Oakland, it’s hard to tell the story of the Raiders’ rebuild this decade without him. Mack was the No. 5 overall pick in the 2014 draft and quickly developed into the league’s best defensive player.
During his four years in Oakland, he made the Pro Bowl four times and was named the Defensive Player of the Year in 2016 after accumulating 26 quarterback hits, 11 sacks, five forced fumbles and an interception. Mack will be remembered as one of the best defenders of this decade for what he accomplished in Oakland.
39. C Barret Robbins (1995-2003)
Robbins gets a bad rap in Raiders history after disappearing and missing the Super Bowl in January 2003 (he was later diagnosed with bipolar disorder), but he was one of the best centers of his generation. He started 105 games for the Raiders, making the Pro Bowl during the Super Bowl run in the 2002 season.
38. QB Tom Flores (1960-1966)
While many will remember Flores as being the head coach of the Raiders for two Super Bowl wins, he was a fairly successful quarterback as well. He started six years for the Raiders, making the Pro Bowl in 1966. While the teams around him weren’t great, Flores managed to keep the team afloat most years.
37. RB/DB Clem Daniels (1961-1967)
Going way back in the time machine, Daniels played on both sides of the ball for the Raiders. But his best position was at running back, where he made four straight Pro Bowls from 1963-1966. Daniels played only seven years in Oakland, but he was a star during most of those seasons. He finished his NFL career with 5,138 rushing yards and 54 total touchdowns.
36. C Don Mosebar (1983-1994)
For more than a decade, Mosebar was the starting center for the Oakland Raiders. From 1983 to 1994, he appeared in 173 games for the Raiders, making three Pro Bowls. While he will never make the Hall of Fame, he was one of the most reliable offensive linemen in Raiders history.
35. CB Terry McDaniel (1988-1997)
From 1992-1996, McDaniel was one of the best cornerbacks in the league, right behind Deion Sanders and Rod Woodson. McDaniel went to five straight Pro Bowls, tallying 27 interceptions during that span. He played 10 years with the Raiders, starting 137 total games for the Silver and Black. But for whatever reason, he doesn’t get enough respect from Raiders fans. You can make a strong case that he should be even higher on this list given his consistency and playmaking ability.
34. CB Nnamdi Asomugha (2003-2010)
During his prime, there were few cornerbacks in the NFL better than Asomugha. He spent eight years in Oakland, all over the secondary. But he found his best position at cornerback, where he was a three-time Pro Bowl selection from 2008-2010. The best year of his career came in 2006, when he intercepted eight passes in 14 games and recorded a sack and a forced fumble.
33. LB Matt Millen (1980-1988)
A defensive tackle in college, Millen made the transition to middle linebacker in the NFL. From 1980-1988, he was the Raiders starting middle linebacker, appearing in 133 games. While Millen was only selected to one Pro Bowl roster, his teams won four Super Bowls during his 11-year career. All Millen did was win and make timely plays for his team when it mattered the most.
32. QB Rich Gannon (1999-2004)
While Gannon didn’t have a long career in Oakland, it was spectacular, if nothing else.
Gannon arrived in Oakland at the age of 34 and proceeded to post four straight Pro Bowl seasons, including an MVP year in 2002. During that season, he threw for nearly 4,700 yards and 26 touchdowns, leading the Raiders to the Super Bowl.
While he was never able to win a ring in Oakland, Gannon should be remembered fondly for his run in the early 2000s.
31. QB Daryle Lamonica (1967-1974)
One of the most underrated quarterbacks in NFL history has to be Lamonica, who was a five-time Pro Bowl selection on top of being a three-time AFL champion. Lamonica started 84 games with the Raiders, going 62-16-6 in those starts.
While his playoff record is nothing to brag about (4-5), he simply won games for the Oakland Raiders. Lamonica should be remembered as one of the all-time great passers in Raiders history.
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30. LB Dan Conners (1964-1974)
From 1964 to 1974, Conners was the Raiders starting middle linebacker. He appeared in a whopping 141 games, making three Pro Bowls from 1966 to 1968. Conners was a turnover machine, intercepting 15 passes and forcing 16 fumbles during his career with the Raiders.
29. LB Phil Villapiano (1971-1979)
If you want to talk about some of the toughest Raiders in their history, look no further than linebacker Villapiano. For nine seasons, Villapiano was the heart and soul of the Raiders defense, making four Pro Bowls from 1973-1976. He finished his career by playing four seasons with the Bills, but he will always be remembered as a Raider.
28. DB George Atkinson (1968-1977)
From 1968 to 1977, Atkinson was one of the most feared defensive backs in all of football. The hard-hitting safety played with an edge that terrified opposing receivers. During his 10-year career, he made the Pro Bowl twice and recorded 30 career interceptions.
27. RT Henry Lawrence (1974-1986)
Lawrence started 148 games for the Raiders. He was a two-time Pro Bowl selection and was the team’s starting right tackle for three Super Bowl wins.
26. DE Lyle Alzado (1982-1985)
One of the most fearsome defensive ends in NFL history, Alzado comes in at No. 26 despite only starting 51 games for the Raiders. During his time with the team, he recorded 23 sacks and was a big reason the Raiders won the Super Bowl after the 1983 season. During that playoff run, he recorded 2.5 sacks and was creating pressure all over the field.
25. TE Todd Christensen (1979-1988)
Christensen started 90 games for the Raiders over 10 seasons. While his career really didn’t take off until 1983, he is regarded as one of the best tight ends in NFL history. During his peak season (1983), he caught 92 passes for 1,247 yards and 12 touchdowns for the Super Bowl champions. He finished his career with five Pro Bowl appearances and two All-Pro selections.
24. CB Mike Haynes (1983-1989)
Haynes didn’t join the team until 1983, but he made three Pro Bowls as a Raider and helped lead the team to a Super Bowl XVIII win. Haynes was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1997 after playing 14 years in the NFL.
23. C Dave Dalby (1972-1985)
From 1972 to 1985, Dalby started nearly every single game at center for the Raiders. While the UCLA product made just one Pro Bowl in his career, he was an integral part of three Super Bowl wins. He started 135 games with the Silver and Black before retiring after the 1985 season.
22. LB Rod Martin (1977-1988)
During his 12-year career with the Raiders, Martin was elected to two Pro Bowls and was a two-time Super Bowl champion on one of the best defenses in the league. Martin finished his career with 33.5 sacks, 14 interceptions and 10 forced fumbles.
21. QB/PK George Blanda (1967-1975)
Blanda didn’t start his career with the Raiders until he was 40 years old, but that doesn’t mean he shouldn’t be listed among the all-time greats. Blanda played nine seasons with the Raiders, mostly being used as a kicker. During his era, he was considered one of the best kickers in the league and was also was the team’s backup quarterback for long stretches.
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20. QB Jim Plunkett (1979-1986)
The second-highest ranked quarterback on this list is Plunkett, who led the Raiders to two Super Bowl wins. While Plunkett’s numbers aren’t spectacular, he always found a way to play his best when the games mattered the most. It’s shocking that a two-time Super Bowl-winning quarterback like Plunkett isn’t in the Hall of Fame. Hopefully, that will change one day.
19. P Ray Guy (1973-1986)
A punter in the top 20? Yep. Guy is one of the few special teams players in the Hall of Fame — and the only player who spent most of his time as a punter — after his historic career in Oakland. Guy averaged 42.4 yards per punt in his career, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. The hang time on his punts forced returners to fair-catch the majority of his kicks, which often changed field position for the Raiders. Guy was selected to seven Pro Bowls and was a three-time Super Bowl champion with the Raiders.
18. OT Lincoln Kennedy (1996-2003)
The mammoth offensive lineman started 119 games at right tackle for the Raiders. The peak of his career was from 2000-2002, when he made three straight Pro Bowls and was selected to the All-Pro team in 2002. While he doesn’t have the same longevity as some of the other offensive linemen on this list, Kennedy was on their level in terms of talent.
17. LB Ted Hendricks (1975-1983)
One of the best personalities in Raiders history, Hendricks started 122 games for the Raiders, tallying 10 interceptions and 10 forced fumbles. He was elected to the Pro Bowl eight times and was a four-time Super Bowl champion. Shortly after his playing career ended, he was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1990).
16. CB Lester Hayes (1977-1986)
Known best for using Stickum, Hayes was one of the best ball-hawking cornerbacks in NFL history. During the 1980 season, Hayes intercepted 13 passes as he helped lead the Raiders to a Super Bowl win. Hayes played 10 years with the Raiders, starting 134 games and getting named to five Pro Bowls.
15. RB Bo Jackson (1987-1990)
If you are judging the best Raiders players in history based purely on stats, Jackson shouldn’t appear very high on this list. However, his impact on the team and in the NFL was historic despite the brevity his career. Jackson played just 38 games for the Raiders, but he averaged an absurd 5.4 yards per carry thanks to his unreal combination of speed and power.
In terms of pure talent, Jackson might be the best player to ever wear the Silver and Black. Had a dislocated and fractured hip not ended his career, he could have been one of the all-time great running backs.
14. CB Willie Brown (1967-1978)
The Raiders have a rich history of talented defensive backs, and one player that has to be mentioned at the top of that list is Brown. From 1967 to 1978, there weren’t many cornerbacks better. Brown made nine Pro Bowls in his career as he racked up 54 career interceptions. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1984.
13. WR Cliff Branch (1972-1985)
During his playing days, there weren’t many receivers than Branch. He averaged an incredible 17.3 yards per reception in his career as one of the best deep threats in NFL history.
Branch finished his career with 501 receptions for 8,685 yards and 67 touchdowns; he was a four-time Pro Bowler and a three-time Super Bowl champion. Branch, who died at age 71 on Aug. 3, 2019, will be missed by Raiders Nation.
12. LG Steve Wisniewski (1989-2001)
Wisniewski started 201 games for the Raiders and was routinely one of the best guards in football. He was the model of consistency, missing just two starts in his entire career as he made eight Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams.
11. TE Dave Casper (1974-1984)
Undoubtedly, Casper is the best tight end in Raiders history. He played eight years with the Raiders, appearing in five Pro Bowls during his career. His best season was in 1976, when he caught 10 touchdown passes as he helped the Raiders win the Super Bowl.
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10. DB Jack Tatum (1971-1979)
When you think of the Raiders, you think of a physical brand of football. That reputation is due in part to Tatum, a hard-hitting defensive back.
While Tatum played just nine years in Oakland, his impact was undeniable. He was one of the most physical safeties in NFL history, but he also knew how to take the ball away. Tatum made three Pro Bowls in his career and was a big part of the 1976 Super Bowl-winning team.
9. LT Art Shell (1966-1982)
The Raiders have had many talented offensive linemen during their franchise history, and one of the best to ever do it is Shell. Shell was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection and was twice named to the AP All-Pro team. He started 169 games in his career, all with the Raiders. Shell was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1989 and went on to coach the team for seven years.
8. WR Fred Biletnikoff (1965-1978)
One of the toughest receivers in NFL history, Biletnikoff played all 14 years of his NFL career with the Raiders, starting 160 games. The highlight of his career was being named MVP of Super Bowl XI. He retired after the 1978 season and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1988. It’s not hard to make the case that Biletnikoff is the best receiver in Raiders history.
7. DE Howie Long (1981-1993)
Long spent all 13 years of his career with the Silver and Black, totaling 84 sacks, 10 forced fumbles and two interceptions. Long started 151 games in the NFL, making eight Pro Bowls and was twice named an AP All-Pro. Long was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000.
6. CB Charles Woodson (1998-2005, 2013-2015)
It’s not hard to make the case that Woodson is the best defender in Raiders history. The defensive back played 18 years in the NFL — 11 with the Raiders and seven with the Packers.
Woodson was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and the Defensive Player of the Year in Green Bay in 2009. His versatility and ability to take the ball away will make him a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame once he is eligible in 2021.
5. WR Tim Brown (1988-2003)
The list of great receivers in Oakland is seemingly endless, but one name stands above the rest: Tim Brown. Brown played 16 seasons with the team, both in Los Angeles and Oakland. He is the franchise leader in receptions, yards and touchdowns. The nine-time Pro Bowler was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2015.
4. C Jim Otto (1960-1974)
The first great “Raider” in team history is none other than Otto, who played with the team from 1960 to 1974. Otto made the Pro Bowl 12 times during his career as well as 10 All-Pro teams.
3. RB Marcus Allen (1982-1992)
The list of talented running backs in the history of the Raiders is deep, but none is better than Allen. He played 11 years with the Raiders, making the Pro Bowl five times and earning NFL MVP honors in 1985 after tallying 2,314 total yards from scrimmage. He won a Super Bowl after the 1983 season and was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2003. Allen is on the short list of the greatest running backs in NFL history.
2. G Gene Upshaw (1967-1981)
At 6 feet 5 and 255 pounds, Upshaw started 207 games for the Raiders, making seven Pro Bowls as well as five All-Pro teams. He won Super Bowls with the Raiders in the 1976 and 1980 seasons.
Upshaw was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame shortly after his playing days ended. He is arguably the greatest guard in NFL history.
1. QB Ken Stabler (1970-1979)
Nobody embodies being a Raider more than “The Snake.” He played 10 years with Oakland, winning Super Bowl XI to cap the 1976 season. He was the NFL MVP in 1974 and was a four-time Pro Bowl selection.
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