Las Vegas Raiders: 15 best draft-day steals of all-time

Sebastian Janikowski, Oakland Raiders. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Sebastian Janikowski, Oakland Raiders. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Raiders. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Here’s a look at the Raiders’ best draft-day steals of all time.

When it comes to the NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders have a rich history. Not always good, but almost always entertaining. Within the draft, there are always some draft-day steals to be had.

The Raiders are a franchise that can brag on a number of steals to offset some of the more talked about busts that have come out of the NFL Draft.

For the purposes of this ranking, a ‘steal’ is any pick that a) paid dividends to the team and b) was a value pick in the draft. As you will see, a handful of first-round picks appear here, but for good reason.

Some first-round picks showed value, whether the player fell into the Raiders’ lap or they reached a little bit and the pick paid off in the long run. Most of the players here are drafted in the middle or late rounds, purely because selecting them there inherently increases their value should they pan out.

Before getting straight into the ranking, let’s start with a few honorable mentions. Despite all being ‘steals’ in one way or another, Ray Guy, Ronald Curry, and Grady Jackson all barely miss the cut. Without any further ado, let’s kick things off with a Raider legend and fan favorite.