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

In 1977, the Raiders put together a phenomenal draft, book-ended by selecting two future Pro Bowlers in the 12th and final round of the draft. One of those two happened to be linebacker Rod Martin out of the University of Southern California.

An all Pac-10 (yes, it used to only be 10 teams) player in 1976 before he entered the draft, it was rather surprising that Martin slipped all the way into the 12th round.

Martin found his spot at weak-side linebacker and became one of the league’s best over the years. He spent all 12 of his NFL seasons with the Raiders, helping them win two Super Bowls in the process. Speaking of the Super Bowl, it seemed as though Martin always saved his best for the biggest stage.

Martin recorded an NFL record three interceptions in Super Bowl XV en route to a huge win over the Philadelphia Eagles. Then in Super Bowl XVIII, Martin recorded a sack and recovered a fumble, as the Raiders toppled the Washington Redskins. When I said Martin helped the team to two championships, I meant it literally.

A two-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro, Martin is one of the best linebackers in team history. To have found him in the 12th round of the draft is incredible, credit to Al Davis and company for finding a needle in a haystack. Martin is more than deserving of fifth place on this ranking, as he is one of the best draft-day steals in Raiders history.