5. Mervyn Fernandez
- 1983 / Round 10 / Pick 277
Mervyn Fernandez had a very interesting path to the National Football League. A native of San Jose, he attended nearby DeAnza Community College out of high school before returning home and transferring to San Jose State. The former Spartan was a late-round selection for the Los Angeles Raiders but wound up playing for the BC Lions of the CFL.
After spending five very successful seasons up north – 399 receptions for 6,690 yards and 57 touchdowns – Swervin’ Mervyn finally joined the Silver and Black in 1987. In Los Angeles, he hauled in 209 catches, 3,764 yards, and 19 touchdowns, with his best season coming in 1989 when broke the 1,000-yard mark and scored nine times.
Fernandez’s career receiving yards rank ninth in franchise history and he’s just outside the top 15 for receptions and touchdowns. He’s one of the few football players who had a significant amount of success in both major professional leagues.