From the beginning, the defense has consistently established the Las Vegas Raiders‘ culture. This football team is known for its historic aggressive style of play. This list was difficult because there has been a plethora of talented players at the position. Many defensive backs have earned the honor of wearing Silver and Black, but few were as dominant as these five.
Raiders History Is Full Of Legendary Defensive Backs
5. Nnamdi Asomugha, CB, 2003-2010
This former Raiders defensive back was a lengthy cornerback and stood at six feet two inches tall. While his statistical numbers may not be impressive, they do not accurately reflect his impact.
He was a true shutdown corner similar to the likes of Jalen Ramsey and Sauce Gardner today. During his 11-year tenure in the NFL, he only totaled 15 interceptions. Every game, Asomugha would blanket an entire half of the field with his presence. Targets seldom came his way due to the fear quarterbacks had of his capabilities.
For example, Asomugha shut down one of the best receivers in 2010 against Larry Fitzgerald. Asomugha limited an all-time great receiver to just two receptions and fewer than thirty yards during the entire sixty minutes of the game.
His accolades include four All-Pro selections and three Pro Bowls while with the club. His dominance in that short span necessitated his inclusion on this list.
Related: Mt. Rushmore Of Raiders Linebackers
Laying out receivers in the 1970s…
4. Jack Tatum, DB, 1971-1979
Jack Tatum, also known as “The Assassin,” is a leading cause of the stereotype of the Raiders’ play style. He possessed ball-hawking ability, totaling 37 interceptions in his career. His shoulder pads were filled with stone, as he is known as one of the hardest hitters ever. Many of the blows he delivered would have him suspended from the NFL today because of the viciousness.
1978 was a memorable year for Tatum, as one hit would impact his opponent forever. In a preseason game, the Raiders faced the New England Patriots. A receiver named Darryl Stingley caught a ball over the middle but was absolutely demolished by Tatum.
Tatum lowered his shoulder into Stingley, paralyzing him forever. “A tragic accident like that is going to affect you,” Tatum said. “I think it affected my play.” Tatum ended up reaching three Pro Bowls, two All-Pros, and even winning a Super Bowl with the Raiders.
The Pride Of Michigan
3. Charles Woodson, DB, 1998-2005, 2013-2015
Since Woodson won the Heisman Trophy while in college, greatness was inevitable. He is one of two defensive players in history to receive this honor. The other one was Travis Hunter last year. No. 24 was among the greatest in the league as soon as the Raiders selected him in the draft.
Defensive Rookie of the Year, All-Pro, and a Pro Bowl selection sound like a fantastic start to a career. He would maintain his dominance throughout his entire career. Occasionally, the Raiders would place him on offense due to his pure athleticism. On top of that, he left the Raiders as a cornerback and returned to end his career as a safety.
He would go on to win Defensive Player of the Year with the Packers. Despite this, he returned to playing a different position at 39 years old and even earned a Pro Bowl selection.
Woodson is known as one of the best defensive backs of all time among every NFL franchise. Despite not spending many of his best years with the Raiders, he deserves a spot on the list.
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The Golden Age of Raiders Defensive Backs?
2. Lester Hayes, CB, 1977-1986
Hayes embodies the motto, “Once a Raider, always a Raider.” The Raiders drafted him, and he never wore another jersey. Hayes’ closest companion was stickum, a common adhesive used to enhance grip on gloves. Rather than relying solely on sticky gloves, Hayes took the practice to the extreme by covering his entire body.
His dedication paid off when, in 1980, he broke the record for most interceptions in a season. He remains the all-time interception leader for the franchise. That year, his performance earned him the title of Defensive Player of the Year. Coincidentally, his teammate Howie Long finished second in the voting. It’s no surprise that the Raiders secured two championships with players of their caliber. Hayes’ career is also marked by five Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro honors.
Coincidentally, second place this season was his teammate, Howie Long. It makes sense that the Raiders won two championships with them. His career is highlighted with five Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pros.
The G.O.A.T. is…
1. Willie Brown, CB, 1967-1978
Willie Brown is the best defensive back in Raiders history for multiple reasons. For one, he is also the all-time leader in interceptions for the franchise. During a time period when throwing the ball was a lot less common.
On top of this, his infamous play in Super Bowl XI grants him a spot on the list. In this sequence with the game on the line, “Old Man Willie” jumped a pass and returned it for a 75-yard touchdown. His effort would win the Raiders their first championship in franchise history. Willie Brown was inducted into the Hall of Fame and included in the NFL’s Top 100.
Brown’s accolades are impressive, if not downright intimidating, especially for an NFL defensive back. He received Pro Bowl nods a total of nine times and was named a five-time All-Pro. It’s clear that Brown is firmly established as the greatest Raiders defensive back ever. Right?
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