Oakland Raiders: 15 best draft-day steals of all-time
As the 2019 NFL Draft approaches, we felt like it would be a good time to look back upon the Raiders' best draft-day 'steals.'
We are on the precipice of the 2019 NFL Draft, a draft in which the Oakland Raiders are, to put it simply, the team to watch. With four selections in the first 35 picks, the Raiders have a tremendous opportunity to add an absurd amount of young talent to their roster.
First, let's clarify what we are defining as a steal in this post. Is Charles Woodson considered a 'steal' because many Heisman Trophy winners are clearly deserving of being drafted high. Some would say, "yes" because of how much he did for the franchise. Others would disagree, pointing out that a first-round pick is expected to perform at that level.
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.