When you think of the Las Vegas (technically Oakland) Raiders in the 2000s, it could bring up some unpleasant memories of losing, draft busts, coaches coming and going, and no players with that “It” factor. The Raiders saw some success to start the decade as they made a Super Bowl appearance, which didn’t end the way fans wanted it to. They also saw a lot of stars leave the team. After the Super Bowl, the team would look to rebuild and bring in some talent that would produce well but would not see as much media attention as they should have. Here are five 2000s Raiders players who were underrated during their time with the team.
Which Raiders players made the cut?
Jerry Porter
Jerry Porter was drafted by the Raiders in the 2000 draft. However, he wouldn’t make his impact until his third season. At that time, Porter would jump in and out of the starting lineup. When Porter started in 2002, he was a huge contributor as he hauled in 51 receptions for 688 yards and nine touchdowns, and starting in 2004, Porter would catch a total of 64 passes for 998 yards and nine touchdowns. The following season, Porter would continue his dominance as he caught 76 passes for 942 yards and five touchdowns. Porter would have one final strong season with the team, recording 705 yards on 44 catches with six touchdowns, and would leave the team the following season.
Zack Crockett
Zack Crockett joined the Raiders in 1999, and throughout his eight years at fullback with the team, he would produce greatly in the run game, especially in short-yardage situations. From 2000 to 2006, Crocket would rush for over 100 yards each game, with back-to-back seasons of over 200 yards rushing from 2004 and 2005, with his longest rushing from 47 and 24 yards. Crockett finished his eight-year career with the Raiders with 1,232 rushing yards total and 35 touchdowns.
Michael Huff
Michael Huff joined the Raiders in the 2006 season and would produce well at the safety position throughout the late 2000s. Huff would see most of his production in the tackling game. He racked up 371 solo tackles in his seven years with the team, along with 11 interceptions. He was able to lock down the deep ball and help with run defense with his physical presence. Huff would be named to the All-Pro Second Team in 2010 after recording three interceptions, 95 combo tackles, and four QB hits, but would usually fly under the radar.
Zack Miller
Zach Miller was drafted by the Raiders in 2007, and he would immediately produce for the team with stunning numbers in all of his four years with the team. Miller would start his rookie year and total 44 catches for 444 yards and three touchdowns. The following two seasons he would prove his dominance at the tight end position. In 2008, Miller caught 56 passes for 778 yards and a touchdown, and in 2009 he caught 66 catches for 805 yards with three touchdowns. Going into his final season, Miller was named a Pro Bowler and was a First Team All-Pro selection. He would play his final season in 2010, which saw him haul in five touchdowns and 685 yards as he departed the team.
Robert Gallery
Robert Gallery was selected second in the first round of the 2004 NFL Draft and would have an immediate impact on the team as he started fifteen of the team’s sixteen games. In his rookie year, Gallery allowed only three sacks and would continue contributing to the running and passing game. To his credit, Gallery got off to a good start to his career. Initially a building block for the Raiders’ offensive line, Gallery only surrendered three and a half sacks in his second season. Unfortunately, he was moved to left tackle once Art Shell took over the team in 2006. He gave up 10.5 sacks in 10 games played. Needless to say, he never really recovered, despite an attempt to salvage his career as a guard.
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Any Raiders players worthy of an honorable mention?
Phillip Buchanon
Phillip Buchanon was drafted by the Raiders in 2002 and played in only six games during his rookie season. However, once Buchanon got his groove, he was a playmaking up-and-coming corner that would haunt opposing quarterbacks. In all, Buchanon would record six interceptions, scoring twice, forcing two fumbles with two recoveries, and a combined 86 tackles in his full debut with the team in 2003. This stellar outing would carry on to his final season with the team. He racked up three interceptions, scoring on one of them, and recovered two fumbles.
LaMont Jordan
LaMont Jordan, after a subpar four-year stint with the New York Jets, found his way to the Silver and Black in 2005. However, that was not the case for Jordan and the Raiders. In his first season with the Raiders, he broke onto the scene. He achieved a 1,000-yard rushing season with nine touchdowns and 563 yards through the air, along with two receiving touchdowns. In his last two seasons with the team, Jordan’s numbers went down. By the time he left the team after 2007, he had a total of 2,008 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.
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*Top Photo: UPI Photo/Frederick Breedon IV