Las Vegas Raiders: 15 greatest offensive linemen in franchise history
(1972-85). Dave Dalby. 5. player. 28. . C
Best offensive lineman in Raiders history: 5. Dave Dalby
Way back in 1972, the Raiders took a fourth-round flier on a kid out of UCLA by the name of Dave Dalby. Now a member of the UCLA Hall of Fame, the former Bruin would go on to spend 14 seasons in the NFL, all with the Raiders.
After riding the pine and serving as a backup for three seasons, Dalby would replace the legendary Jim Otto and become the franchise’s second starting center.
Being under the tutelage of a Pro Football Hall of Famer in Otto was undeniably a huge boost for Dalby, but he created his own legacy with the Silver and Black, filling in Otto’s shoes well.
Once a starter, Dalby proved his worth by playing consistently well at center, but also proved he was durable. Illustrating his durability, Dalby started five full seasons before missing a start.
Every good offensive line needs a cerebral anchor in the middle and Dalby provided that on all three Super Bowl winning Raiders teams. There was plenty of talent around him to help, but Dalby was far from a slouch on those units.
Dalby played in 205 games for the Raiders, ninth all-time. With three Super Bowl rings and one Pro Bowl nomination, Dalby is one of the more decorated players in Raiders history.
He was an under the radar star, and did not find himself in the spotlight as much as he deserved. Nonetheless, Dalby is the first to crack the top five on this ranking.