Here is what an all-time Oakland Raiders 53-man roster would look like

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LOS ANGELES – NOVEMBER 26: Defensive end Greg Townsend #93 of Los Angeles Raiders runs down running back John Stephens #44 of the New England Patriots during the game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 26, 1989 in Los Angeles, California. The Raiders won 24-21. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images) /

Defensive Ends

Howie Long, Khalil Mack, Greg Townsend, Ben Davidson, John Matuszak, Lyle Alzado

When it comes to the defensive end position, the Oakland Raiders may have the best collection of talent of any team in the history of the NFL. Starting with guys like Howie Long, Khalil Mack, and Greg Townsend, one could make the case that the edge position is the best group of all the positions in Raider history.

During his time with the Raiders, Long established himself as a Hall of Fame player. During his 13-year career, he only played within the Raiders franchise, making eight Pro Bowls, and helping lead the Raiders to a win in Super Bowl XVIII. A member of the 1980s All-Decade Team, Long was the 1985 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

Since being drafted by the Raiders in the 2014 NFL Draft, Mack has turned himself into arguably the best defensive player in the NFL. Already an NFL Defensive Player of the Year at only 27-years old, Mack has posted double-digit sacks in each of the last three season, all the while doing it without much help from the interior of the defensive line.

When it comes to the sack department, nobody did it more than Townsend during his Raiders career. Collecting over 100 sacks, Townsend was a two-time First Team All-Pro, while joining Long in helping the Raiders to that victory in Super Bowl XVIII. In the history of the NFL, his 109.5 sacks ranks No. 16 overall.

Staying with the ends, one could not make an all-time 53-man roster without including guys like Ben Davidson, Lyle Alzado, and John Matuszak. Davidson played for the Raiders from 1964-71, as he was named an AFL All-Star three times, while helping the Raiders to the 1967 AFL title. Alzado was known for his terrifying play on the field, playing a key role on that Raiders championship team in Super Bowl XVIII, and solidifying his place in Raiders history by playing the Raider Way.

Matuszak, or “Tooz,” played for the Raiders from 1976-82, and was a big contributor on two Super Bowl winning teams. While drug use followed him throughout his NFL career, he will forever be known as being a classic Raider, and who can forget his role as “Sloth” in Goonies.

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