/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46516010/usa-today-8561537.0.jpg)
We now have 94 days until the Raiders kick off their 2015 season, so we now take a look at the number 94. To find the best to have ever worn that number, we look at a player as only the player he was during his time in Silver & Black and not his life after football.
Who wore it best: DE Anthony Smith
Smith was drafted by the Raiders in the first round in 1990. The pass rushing defensive end posted double digit sacks in each of his first three seasons (10.5, 13.0, 12.5). In total, he would play seven seasons in the NFL, all with the Raiders. He appeared in 98 games, finishing with 57.5 career sacks.
He played his last game in 1997. Since then, his legacy has taken a very dark turn. Four years ago he was charged with murder. That case was declared a mistrial due to a hung jury. Since then he has been charged with three additional murders and will stand trial for all four murders.
He wore the number 94 with distinction, which is important to separate from the kind of distinction of which he is now more well known.
Who's wearing it now: DE Max Valles
Valles is the team's rookie sixth round pick out of Virginia. He carries with him the hopes of being the speed rusher the Raiders need from the defensive end spot. The 6-5, 251-pounder was second in the ACC last season with 9.0 sacks. He left school with two years of eligibility left, which looks to be an unwise decision because he ended up dropping all the way to the sixth round. If he had stayed another year and matched or improved his numbers, he would have very likely been chosen in the top two rounds.
He should see the field early as a situational pass rusher for the Raiders who drafted Mario Edwards Jr in the second round to start opposite Justin Tuck at defensive end. Valles' arrow is pointing up and was a great get in the late rounds.
Loading comments...