Las Vegas Raiders: 15 greatest offensive linemen in franchise history

Best offensive lineman in Raiders history: 3. Jim Otto

The list must be pretty impressive if a Pro Football Hall of Famer and franchise legend comes in at No. 3. For many other franchises, Jim Otto would be No. 1 or No. 2. But for the Raiders, Otto must settle for third place on this list of offensive line legends. The first ever starting center for the franchise, Otto was not even drafted by the Raiders.

The Minnesota Vikings selected him before bailing on joining the AFL, sending Otto’s rights to the Raiders. How fortunate, eh? Otto did not miss a single game due to injury throughout his 15-year career and his 210 games played rank fourth all-time in the franchise record book.

Otto was a nine-time AFL All-Star, a three-time Pro Bowler and 10-time First-Team All-AFL. That impressive resume was all accomplished wearing the age-old Silver and Black. Otto is a member of the All-Time AFL Team and the Pro Football Hall of Fame, just like the next two players on this list.

He played in 13 playoff games with the Raiders, but never reached the pinnacle of winning a championship. On talent and consistency, there are few centers in the history of the game that surpass Otto, he was that good. His football IQ and tenacity were his calling card. The Raiders were thankful he spent all of his playing days with them, rather than against them.