Top five 1st round draft picks in Raiders history

#4 – Jack Tatum

“The Assassin” comes in at no. 4, as the 19th overall selection in the 1971 NFL Draft. The late great Jack Tatum was one of the most feared hitters in NFL history, which not only warranted his nickname, but provided a number of highlights in which you see Tatum completely level men as big or bigger than him.

In his nine seasons with the Raiders, Tatum accumulated 30 interceptions, which is currently tied for the fifth most in franchise history. He was also named to three consecutive Pro Bowls, from 1973 through 1975. Tatus was a second-team All-Pro in 1974 and 1977.

Among his personal accomplishments, Tatum was a key piece of the Raiders defense that led the way for the first Super Bowl victory in team history. In the win over the Minnesota Vikings, Tatum drilled wide receiver Sammy White, knocking his helmet off in the process. It is widely regarded as the biggest hit in Super Bowl history.

While Tatum’s numbers may not be the flashiest, he was a transcendent player in his era, paving the way for other big hitters to follow suit. For years, Tatum was the primary figure of the Raiders image, and symbolized what it meant to wear the Silver and Black.