Greatest Raider of All Time

As we get closer and closer to Draft day, I thought we might take a look at some of the greatest Draft picks the Raiders ever selected.

Today I was searching and reading a mock draft on ESPN when something at the right caught my eye, and it was a link to an instant debate on NFL.com on who was the Greatest Raider of All TIme. I read their debate and noticed something right off the bat, some people were missing from this debate. That list of unmentioned (that could have been on) includes:

Jack Tatum

George Atkinson

Ray Guy

Rich Gannon

Bo Jackson

Daryle Lamonica

Dave Casper

Howie Long

Cliff Branch

etc. etc. etc.

Here is the Link to the Debate on NFL.com

wanted to put together a list of guys that I felt were the Top Raiders of All Time, and some of my personal choices. So if I state something that you might (and probably will) disagree on, put your own list on a comment so we can talk about it.

Here is my List and I'll tell you why:

#10. Marcus Allen

Once upon a time in Raider-Land, Marcus Allen was the King of Running Backs, and even led our beloved Raiders to a Super Bowl Title over the Washington Redskins with his epic Reverse Rush all the way down field to be at that time the longest rush in NFL Super bowl History. Years past and as we know, Marcus left the Silver and Black to join the hated Kansas City Chiefs. The reason I have Marcus so far back in my list is becasue although he was a vital cog in the organization during his tenure with the Raiders, He left us to finish his career with the Chiefs, which was not only a slap in the face to Al, but also a slap in the Face to the Raider Nation. I just can't put him below 10 because he left us with such a bitter taste in our mouths. I know I'll probably get hell for putting Marcus this Low but its just my personal feelings towards the man.

ya see why I put him last....

#9. Jim Plunkett

The man could play, and Al finally gave him that chance. Jim and his time with the Raiders was memorable and how he wove the masterpiece in Super Bowl in 1980 was pure excellence. For the fact that He was the Quarter Back of the first ever Wild-Card team to win the Super Bowl, he is on my list as number nine.

#8. Howie Long

Howie is next on my list for a few reasons: His all around athleticism was one to be remembered and his stats were amazing! He completed His Career with a total of 84 sacks INCLUDING 7.5 in 1981 before the sack was even made into a stat. His Five tackle performance was the capping of our Super Bowl XVIII Victory and Third Super Bowl.  Defensive Player of the Year in 1985, 8 time pro-bowler, and leader on a Defense that was dominating in the 80's.

#7. Ray Guy

Probably the most dominating Punter of All Time who has been screwed over time and time again by not being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Basically I can tell you that Ray Guy is probably why the NFL instituted the Hang Time. Guy's Booming Punts and massive amount of Hang Time even resulted in opponents checking for Helium in the Ball after his punts! Although I admit that Shane Lechler is probably going to pass Guy's legendary status as a punter, Shane is still on active. Guy was also there for all three super bowl wins, and his punt against the Redskins that drove them back to the 12 yard line was the one that set up Squirek's Interception that led to a 21-3 halftime lead that eventually turned into a 38-9 Super Bowl Victory.

#6. Tim Brown

I basically grew up watching T-Brown play and all I could say about him was... 'wow'. Tim Brown was born to be a Raider and bled Silver and Black all the way. Yes, he did end up in Tampa, but that was because of some issues. Even though he ended up in Tampa he was still a Raider and recorded his 100th career receiving touchdown in Oakland ( Destiny). He was Longest Tenured Raider, holds Raiders Records in Touchdowns, Yards from Scrimmage, and all purpose Yards. He was a Fan Favorite his whole career in Oakland and He loved the Raider Nation with a Passion.

#5. Ken Stabler

One of the Greatest Quarterbacks in Raiders history was 'The Snake'. His presence in the organization during the 70's and during our first Super Bowl Team. Sure he was a little scandalous off the field, but who in the Raiders wasn't at the time? Nicknamed 'the Snake', Ken was force on and OFF the field getting into a whole bunch of problems, but he always came through and was part of the rebel mentality during the Raiders success in this era. He is still one of the Quarterbacks not in the HOF that was on the 1970's All-Decade Team (along with Terry Bradshaw and Roger Staubach) which is a travesty in my books. Although he was outrageous and though he was as a counter-hero, Stabler always was clutch as clearly stated by Gene Upshaw:

When we were behind in the fourth quarter, with our backs to our end zone, no matter how he had played up to that point, we could look in his eyes and you knew, YOU KNEW, he was going to win it for us. That was an amazing feeling.

#4. Dave Casper

The Ghost to the Post

Dave Casper, TE for the Oakland Raiders was a part of one of the Greatest and Most Controversial Plays in NFL History, known as the Holy Roller. Dave Casper has a career full with 378 passes caught and 52 Touchdowns. He was vital in the First Superbowl team of the Raiders and is considered one of the Best Tight Ends in NFL History. His First Season as a starter, he spring boarded himself to the National Limelight with 53 catches, 691 yards and 10 Touchdowns! 'The Ghost' as he was called by His teammates was a very humble player and never took credit for his pass catching abilities and often referred to them as "no big thing", but 'The Ghost's' no big thing was in fact Huge. It was the 1977 Divisional Playoff Game versus the Baltimore Colts that lasted 6 Quarters and can be summed up into one play-'Ghost to the Post'. The Rest as they say is History. Casper finished his career in Los Angeles as a member of the Raiders Organization.

Get outta my way Donkey!!

#3. Gene Upshaw

'Uptown' Gene

Gene Upshaw has to be one of my favorite players ever to wear the silver & black. As a Guard, Gene established himself a rep of being one of the most dominating players on the field. Upshaw helped the Raiders win 2 Superbowl's during his time with the Organization, and was during his time, a standard in which most offensive linemen were measured. His Rookie season he was moved to guard from playing tackle, and because of his speed and moblility, he became the prototype for the next generation of NFL guards. His Awards consisted of: AFC Lineman of the year 3 times, NFL Lineman of the Year in 1977, Six Time Pro-Bowler, and played in 2 Superbowl teams.

#2. Jim Otto

Quote from RaidersOnline.org: " For Fifteen years, Jim Otto became a fixture at center for the Raiders, never missing a game due to injury- and there were many of them... To this day, Jim Otto embodies the toughness  and determination the Raiders began to ferment in the mid-1960's, after Al Davis took over the team"

Jim Otto is what you would call a rare case of "Raider By Birth". Jim was destined to play for the Raiders and Destiny brought him to Oakland. He was selected to the Pro football HOF in 1980- which was the first year he was on the ballot. He played 14 years with the Oakland Raiders. He always reffers to Al Davis as 'Mr. Davis', and has the upmost respect for the man who began one of the original teams of the AFL. Let's say this, the man was and still is tougher than nails and was a dominator in his position for over 10 years. He is still remembered as one of the Greatest Offensive lineman of all time. That is why Jim is number 2 on my list.

and.....

#1. Fred Biletnikoff

Fred Biletnikoff goes on my Greatest Raider of All-Time list as number one for a couple of reasons

Fred Biletnikoff was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the second round of the 1965 draft and eventually developed into one of the most dangerous WR's of all time. At the time of his retirement in 1978, he was the holder of record for Raiders receiving yards and held a buttload of NFL marks as well such as catching 40 or more passes in 10 consecutive seasons. His career stats were amazing during his day at 589 passes caught 8,974 yards receiving, and 76 touchdowns. He was the primary target for Ken Stabler during the Championship season of 1977 and is the only WR in NFL Superbowl history to be named MVP without more than 100 yards receiving. He was responsible for setting up our scores during a route of the Vikings in Superbowl XI. He was also a 6 time pro-bowler. Also a little known fact is that Freddie rarely ever wore shoulder pads when he played. He was a REAL MAN!! =)

He has to be my all time favorite Raider WR of all time, and had such an impact on the early days of the Organization that I put him at the #1 spot.

So like I said.. I'll probably get Hell for some of my picks, but if you want put your own list together in the comments section.

My Honorable mentions are : Cliff Branch, Daryle Lamonica, Art Shell, George Atkinson, Rich Gannon, Jack Tatum, Ted Hendricks, Lester Hayes, Willie Brown, Bo Jackson... if I forgot any let me know!

RAIDER NATION USA

I wanted to put together a list of guys that I felt were the Top Raiders of All Time, and some of my personal choices. So if I state something that you might (and probably will) disagree on, put your own list on a comment so we can talk about it.

Here is my List and I'll tell you why:

#10. Marcus Allen

Once upon a time in Raider-Land, Marcus Allen was the King of Running Backs, and even led our beloved Raiders to a Super Bowl Title over the Washington Redskins with his epic Reverse Rush all the way down field to be at that time the longest rush in NFL Super bowl History. Years past and as we know, Marcus left the Silver and Black to join the hated Kansas City Chiefs. The reason I have Marcus so far back in my list is becasue although he was a vital cog in the organization during his tenure with the Raiders, He left us to finish his career with the Chiefs, which was not only a slap in the face to Al, but also a slap in the Face to the Raider Nation. I just can't put him below 10 because he left us with such a bitter taste in our mouths. I know I'll probably get hell for putting Marcus this Low but its just my personal feelings towards the man.

ya see why I put him last....

#9. Jim Plunkett

The man could play, and Al finally gave him that chance. Jim and his time with the Raiders was memorable and how he wove the masterpiece in Super Bowl in 1980 was pure excellence. For the fact that He was the Quarter Back of the first ever Wild-Card team to win the Super Bowl, he is on my list as number nine.

#8. Howie Long

Howie is next on my list for a few reasons: His all around athleticism was one to be remembered and his stats were amazing! He completed His Career with a total of 84 sacks INCLUDING 7.5 in 1981 before the sack was even made into a stat. His Five tackle performance was the capping of our Super Bowl XVIII Victory and Third Super Bowl.  Defensive Player of the Year in 1985, 8 time pro-bowler, and leader on a Defense that was dominating in the 80's.

#7. Ray Guy

Probably the most dominating Punter of All Time who has been screwed over time and time again by not being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Basically I can tell you that Ray Guy is probably why the NFL instituted the Hang Time. Guy's Booming Punts and massive amount of Hang Time even resulted in opponents checking for Helium in the Ball after his punts! Although I admit that Shane Lechler is probably going to pass Guy's legendary status as a punter, Shane is still on active. Guy was also there for all three super bowl wins, and his punt against the Redskins that drove them back to the 12 yard line was the one that set up Squirek's Interception that led to a 21-3 halftime lead that eventually turned into a 38-9 Super Bowl Victory.

#6. Tim Brown

I basically grew up watching T-Brown play and all I could say about him was... 'wow'. Tim Brown was born to be a Raider and bled Silver and Black all the way. Yes, he did end up in Tampa, but that was because of some issues. Even though he ended up in Tampa he was still a Raider and recorded his 100th career receiving touchdown in Oakland ( Destiny). He was Longest Tenured Raider, holds Raiders Records in Touchdowns, Yards from Scrimmage, and all purpose Yards. He was a Fan Favorite his whole career in Oakland and He loved the Raider Nation with a Passion.

#5. Ken Stabler

One of the Greatest Quarterbacks in Raiders history was 'The Snake'. His presence in the organization during the 70's and during our first Super Bowl Team. Sure he was a little scandalous off the field, but who in the Raiders wasn't at the time? Nicknamed 'the Snake', Ken was force on and OFF the field getting into a whole bunch of problems, but he always came through and was part of the rebel mentality during the Raiders success in this era. He is still one of the Quarterbacks not in the HOF that was on the 1970's All-Decade Team (along with Terry Bradshaw and Roger Staubach) which is a travesty in my books. Although he was outrageous and though he was as a counter-hero, Stabler always was clutch as clearly stated by Gene Upshaw:

When we were behind in the fourth quarter, with our backs to our end zone, no matter how he had played up to that point, we could look in his eyes and you knew, YOU KNEW, he was going to win it for us. That was an amazing feeling.

#4. Dave Casper

The Ghost to the Post

Dave Casper, TE for the Oakland Raiders was a part of one of the Greatest and Most Controversial Plays in NFL History, known as the Holy Roller. Dave Casper has a career full with 378 passes caught and 52 Touchdowns. He was vital in the First Superbowl team of the Raiders and is considered one of the Best Tight Ends in NFL History. His First Season as a starter, he spring boarded himself to the National Limelight with 53 catches, 691 yards and 10 Touchdowns! 'The Ghost' as he was called by His teammates was a very humble player and never took credit for his pass catching abilities and often referred to them as "no big thing", but 'The Ghost's' no big thing was in fact Huge. It was the 1977 Divisional Playoff Game versus the Baltimore Colts that lasted 6 Quarters and can be summed up into one play-'Ghost to the Post'. The Rest as they say is History. Casper finished his career in Los Angeles as a member of the Raiders Organization.

Get outta my way Donkey!!

#3. Gene Upshaw

'Uptown' Gene

Gene Upshaw has to be one of my favorite players ever to wear the silver & black. As a Guard, Gene established himself a rep of being one of the most dominating players on the field. Upshaw helped the Raiders win 2 Superbowl's during his time with the Organization, and was during his time, a standard in which most offensive linemen were measured. His Rookie season he was moved to guard from playing tackle, and because of his speed and moblility, he became the prototype for the next generation of NFL guards. His Awards consisted of: AFC Lineman of the year 3 times, NFL Lineman of the Year in 1977, Six Time Pro-Bowler, and played in 2 Superbowl teams.

#2. Jim Otto

Quote from RaidersOnline.org: " For Fifteen years, Jim Otto became a fixture at center for the Raiders, never missing a game due to injury- and there were many of them... To this day, Jim Otto embodies the toughness  and determination the Raiders began to ferment in the mid-1960's, after Al Davis took over the team"

Jim Otto is what you would call a rare case of "Raider By Birth". Jim was destined to play for the Raiders and Destiny brought him to Oakland. He was selected to the Pro football HOF in 1980- which was the first year he was on the ballot. He played 14 years with the Oakland Raiders. He always reffers to Al Davis as 'Mr. Davis', and has the upmost respect for the man who began one of the original teams of the AFL. Let's say this, the man was and still is tougher than nails and was a dominator in his position for over 10 years. He is still remembered as one of the Greatest Offensive lineman of all time. That is why Jim is number 2 on my list.

and.....

#1. Fred Biletnikoff

Fred Biletnikoff goes on my Greatest Raider of All-Time list as number one for a couple of reasons

Fred Biletnikoff was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the second round of the 1965 draft and eventually developed into one of the most dangerous WR's of all time. At the time of his retirement in 1978, he was the holder of record for Raiders receiving yards and held a buttload of NFL marks as well such as catching 40 or more passes in 10 consecutive seasons. His career stats were amazing during his day at 589 passes caught 8,974 yards receiving, and 76 touchdowns. He was the primary target for Ken Stabler during the Championship season of 1977 and is the only WR in NFL Superbowl history to be named MVP without more than 100 yards receiving. He was responsible for setting up our scores during a route of the Vikings in Superbowl XI. He was also a 6 time pro-bowler. Also a little known fact is that Freddie rarely ever wore shoulder pads when he played. He was a REAL MAN!! =)

He has to be my all time favorite Raider WR of all time, and had such an impact on the early days of the Organization that I put him at the #1 spot.

So like I said.. I'll probably get Hell for some of my picks, but if you want put your own list together in the comments section.

My Honorable mentions are : Cliff Branch, Daryle Lamonica, Art Shell, George Atkinson, Rich Gannon, Jack Tatum, Ted Hendricks, Lester Hayes, Willie Brown, Bo Jackson... if I forgot any let me know!

RAIDER NATION USA