Las Vegas Raiders Dream Team: All-Time Starting Offense

Offensive Tackle: Art Shell (1968-1982)

Art Shell made 169 starts over his 15-year career with the Raiders and was a staple along the left side of the offensive line. Shell still remains one of the most dominant left tackles in the history of the NFL.  In 2019, the NFL celebrated it’s 100th season. and Shell was named to the NFL 100 All-Time team.

From 1972-1980, Shell was selected to the Pro-Bowl each season, and in 1974 and 1977, he was a first team All-Pro.  Shell had two stints as head coach of the Raiders, compiling a 56-52 record, although his first stint was much better, as he went 54-38 in five seasons, making the playoffs three times.

Offensive Tackle: Lincoln Kennedy (1996-2003)

Lincoln Kennedy was a first round pick in the 1993 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons, though his stay with that team did not last too long.  After a disappointing season in 1995, he was traded to the Raiders for a fifth round pick, which proved to be quite the steal for the Silver and Black.

Kennedy was the anchor of the offensive line for eight years, making 151 starts.  His finest seasons were in 2001 and 2002, when he was named first team All-Pro.  As a member of the Raiders, he was named to three consecutive Pro Bowls and was the leader on an offensive line that helped the Raiders to the Super Bowl in 2003.

Offensive Guard: Gene Upshaw (1967-1981)

Another Hall of Famer, Gene Upshaw is considered one of the greatest guards to ever play the game. Like Shell, Upshaw was selected to the NFL 100 All-Time team.  In addition to that honor, Upshaw was a seven time Pro-Bowl selection, Five Time All-Pro, and a two-time Super Bowl champion.

Upshaw is well known for his ability to get out and lead the way for running backs on sweep plays. In his Hall of Fame induction speech, he referred to running over helpless defensive backs on sweep plays as the greatest thrill of his career. A member of the 1970’s All-Decade team, many feel he is the greatest Raider of all-time.

Offensive Guard: Steve Wisniewski (1989-2001)

Steve Wisniewski hasn’t received his call from Canton yet, but he certainly has the resume for it. After being selected in the second round of the 1989 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys, he was immediately traded to the then-Los Angeles Raiders, with whom he spent all 13 years of his career with.

Wisniewski was selected to six straight Pro Bowls, and eight overall from 1990-1995.  His durability was impressive, starting 206 of a possible 208 games during his NFL career. In addition to be named First Team All-Pro twice, he was also selected to the NFL’s 1990’s All-Decade team.  It’s only a matter of time before Wisniewski gets his gold jacket.

Center: Jim Otto (1960-1974)

Anchoring this already impressive offensive line is the most heralded offensive lineman in Raiders history, center Jim Otto. Otto was the centerpiece of the Raiders offensive line for 15 years, and was known for many things, including his intelligence, dedication, and leadership.  He was a dominant blocker with great range as a center.

Otto was a First Team All-Pro a ridiculous ten times, and a Pro Bowl selection on 12 occasions.  He was a member of the 1968 team that lost to Vince Lombardi and the Green Bay Packers in Super Bowl II. He, along with Art Shell and Gene Upshaw, were named to the NFL 100 All-Time team, and is the best center in league history.