Editor’s note: Here at the Raider Ramble, we discussed who the Las Vegas Raiders’ best first-picks in franchise history have been. However, we couldn’t come to an agreement and aren’t on speaking terms anymore. In fact, we all blocked each other on social media and won’t be sending Christmas cards this year. On the bright side, we came up with two different lists of the best first-round picks in the Silver and Blacks’ history, both of them as good as the other one.
Here’s the first list, enjoy the second one, and Ramble on!
While the list isn’t plentiful, the Raiders have had their fair share of first-round greats. With draft season upon us, let’s look back at some of the best first-round selections in the history of the Silver and Black.
Before we dive into the catalog of greats, here are a few draft selections that didn’t quite crack our list.
Best Of The Rest For The Raiders
Amari Cooper WR 2015, 4th overall
Nnamdi Asomugha CB 2003, 31st overall
Ray Guy P 1973, 23rd overall
Khalil Mack DE/LB 2014, 5th overall
*Yes, Mack is more than likely headed towards Canton in Chicago now, but this was a tough top 5 to crack.
So who are the Raiders’ best first-round picks in team history?
Sebastian Janikowski, kicker
Al Davis did ‘Al Davis things’ in 2000 when he selected a kicker with the 17th overall pick. It’s tough to argue with the results. ‘Seabass’ set a multitude of Raiders records during his 19-year career. On top of being the team’s all-time leading scorer (1799), ‘Jano’ holds the record for games played (268) and points in a season (142).
Marcus Allen, running back
Bad blood with Davis aside, the impact of Marcus Allen is impossible to deny after being selected tenth overall in 1982. At the time of his retirement, he held the record for rushing touchdowns (123) and was the first player in league history to amass 10,000 rushing yards and 5,000 receiving yards. The USC product was also a key factor in the Raiders Super Bowl XVIII victory earning MVP honors.
Tim Brown, wide receiver
The Raiders drafted Tim Brown sixth overall in 1988 and carried a Heisman trophy winner’s amount of hype on his shoulders. He would spend the next 16 years being a consistent force in the NFL. He sat at second in receiving yards (14,934), third in receptions (1,094), and tied for third in touchdown catches (100) when he hung up his cleats. We can forgive him for his rogue season in Tampa Bay.
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Charles Woodson, cornerback
Speaking of Heisman winners that exceeded expectations, look no further than the fourth overall pick in 1998. Woodson lived a charmed football life winning at every level he played on. Woodson ended his 18-year career top 5 all-time with 65 interceptions, 11 pick sixes and 183 passes defensed. C-Wood is also atop the all-time Raider rankings for forced fumbles (18) and passes defensed (84). Great dressing for his Hall of Fame career.
Gene Upshaw, guard
We couldn’t have a list of Raiders all-time picks and not mention the 17th overall pick in 1967. Gene Upshaw was a pillar of the Silver and Black well beyond his playing days. The nine-year offensive team captain was the first player in NFL history to participate in Super Bowls in three different decades (67′, 76′, 80′) suiting up for 24 Raider playoff games. Upshaw was also only the second guard to be elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
So, what are your thoughts, Raider Nation? Let’s hear your thoughts and be sure to vote on our official Twitter poll while you’re at it!
Okay, #RaiderNation who, in your opinion, is the greatest first-round pick in #Raiders history? Vote down below or drop your selection in the comments.. GO!..
— RaiderRamble.comâ„¢ (@TheRaiderRamble) March 4, 2021
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*Top Photo: Sporting News/Getty Images