In drafting the NFL’s latest offensive phenom in Brock Bowers, the Las Vegas Raiders proved they are capable of once again making wise decisions in the draft.
Even though there is some time between now and the 2025 draft, let’s put down the head-coaching storylines for a short time and take a look at some of the greatest draft picks in Raiders’ history.
The maiden draft in the team’s rich history book took place in late 1959, during the initial Oakland era. Back then, the Raiders played in the American Football League West Division. Jim Otto, an outstanding center and Hall of Famer, was among the team’s first and finest draft picks.
After Otto, let’s take a look at seven of the best draft picks the Raiders have made in their storied franchise legacy.
Howie Long (1981 NFL Draft, 2nd Round, 48th Overall)
The decision to take Howie Long in the second round in 1981 was, without a doubt, one of the best decisions the organization ever made. Three years in a row, between 1983 and 1985, Long received the Pro Bowl and All-Pro first-team votes, with more selections to follow later.
Long was instrumental in winning Super Bowl XVIII and collected 84 sacks during his 13-season career with the Raiders, which is the second-highest tally in club history.
By comparison, Maxx Crosby’s career sacks total is currently at 59.5.
Despite playing through injury in 2024, Crosby’s 7.5 sacks were the highest on the team this season, but below his over/under number on the year. 1xBet offers the best NFL odds and betting markets to suit all tastes, including traditional options and fascinating specials.
Marcus Allen (1982 NFL Draft, 1st Round, 10th Overall)
Drafted in the first round, Marcus Allen was the Raiders’ most notable pick in 1982 and one of their best NFL Draft selections ever. In his inaugural season with the club, the running back made waves as a promising rusher and received Rookie of the Year honors.
The Marcus Allen chapter lasted 11 seasons with the Raiders. During Super Bowl XVIII, Allen scored a touchdown while running for 74 yards, a record at the time. He was named MVP of the game and received numerous other accolades following Super Bowl XVIII
Tim Brown (1988 NFL Draft, 1st Round, 6th Overall)
Tim Brown was one of the finest first-round acquisitions in Raiders’ history. Brown joined the Silver & Black in 1988, and for the next 16 years, he tallied 14,734 receiving yards, 99 touchdowns, and 1,070 catches – a club record unbeaten to this day.
Brown was selected to the Pro Bowl nine times, and he made a name for himself as one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history prior to being inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015.
Kenny Stabler (1968 NFL Draft, 2nd Round, 52nd Overall)
The 1968 NFL Draft marked the beginning of Kenny Stabler’ career when he was chosen by the Raiders in the second round. It was then that the franchise recruited one of its most prolific quarterbacks and a passing leader, with 19,078 yards – the second-best result in team history.
The 1970s were Stabler’s golden era. He was voted to the Pro Bowl four times and awarded the 1974 NFL Most Valuable Player. In 1977, the premier passer played a crucial role in Super Bowl XI against the Minnesota Vikings, leading the Silver & Black to their first Super Bowl victory.
Jack Tatum (1971 NFL Draft, 1st Round, 19th Overall)
By picking Jack Tatum, a.k.a. the Assassin, in the initial round of the NFL Draft in 1971, the Raiders began the groundwork for a rock-solid defense for the next nine years. Tatum’s relentless style was one of the keys to the team’s Super Bowl XI win.
One of the top NFL players of all time, Tatum had 37 interceptions in his career, 30 of which were with the Oakland franchise. As an aside, Tatum set a record for the longest fumble recovery in team history, returning it for 104 yards to the endzone.
Charles Woodson (1998 NFL Draft, 1st Round, 4th Overall)
Woodson was the Raiders’ first-round draft pick in 1998. The 22-year-old cornerback made a splash in the league in his first season, earning the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award and his first vote to the Pro Bowl. He would tally eight more Pro Bowls before retiring as an Oakland Raider.
As a Raider, Woodson defended 84 passes and forced 18 fumbles. He’s one of only three players in NFL history with 13 defensive touchdowns. Woodson Raiders was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021.
Ray Guy (1973 NFL Draft, 1st Round, 23rd Overall)
In 1973, Ray Guy was the 23rd choice in the draft and the first-ever punter selected in the initial round. It was an incredibly shrewd decision by late owner Al Davis, as Ray Guy proved himself to be a formidable weapon and one of the all-time greatest punters.
Ray Guy Raiders career was 207 games and 14 years long, during which he amassed 44,493 yards on 1,049 punts. Guy was a seven-time Pro Bowl and six-time first-team All-Pro electee. Also, he was a three-time NFL champion and one of the most impactful Raiders Super Bowl players.
Guy was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2014.