4. Scott Davis: 25th overall in the 1988 NFL Draft
Scott Davis was the Raiders first round pick in the 1988 NFL Draft out of the University of Illinois and he had a short but brilliant career for the Silver and Black. Starting just two games his rookie season, Davis still managed to record 5.5 sacks for a team that was sorely in need of a pass rush with Howie Long missing more than half the season.
Davis continued to improve after his rookie season and reached his peak when he became a full-time starter in 1990, recording 10 sacks in 16 games, just two fewer than all-world DE Greg Townsend. The former Illini’s career was on the upswing but he chose to retire after the 1991 season to pursue other interests and explore life outside of football.
He would attempt a comeback three years later in 1994 but suffered a career-ending injury after 14 games. Despite playing in just 75 games for the Raiders, Davis is still 14th all-time in sacks for the franchise and was on pace to be an incredible player had he not cut his career short.