Las Vegas Raiders: 5 best cornerbacks taken in the NFL Draft
1. Charles Woodson
This was the obvious top pick, as Charles Woodson is not only the best corner the Raiders have ever drafted, but is arguably a top-five defensive back in league history. Woodson had a historic career at the University of Michigan, where he became the first player since the 1960s to win the award playing significant time on both sides of the ball.
In addition, he remains the only primarily defensive player to win the award. Woodson contributed as a wide receiver and punt returner on top of being an elite cornerback with the Wolverines. To go along with his Heisman in 1997, he also took home every eligible defensive player award (Nagurski, Bednarik, and Thorpe)
Those accomplishments were enough for the Raiders to take Woodson with the No. 4 overall selection in the 1998 draft. Woodson made an impact from day one, and was a pro bowler as a rookie, as well as a first-team All-Pro in year two.
In his first four seasons with the Raiders, he made the four straight Pro Bowls and picked off 11 passes.
Things got a bit dicey around 2005 with the Raiders having little success on the field and Woodson dealing with injuries going into his age-30 season. Woodson ended up going to the Green Bay Packers in free agency where he had a fantastic second act.
But Woodson’s love for Raiders nation never left, and he would return to the organization for his final three seasons where he remained a capable player up until in retirement after the 2015 season.
Post-retirement, Woodson has become an analyst for both college and pro football and never fails to show his love for the Raiders. And with that and his tremendous performance as a player, he remains a beloved figure within the organization and amongst fans.