Four Raiders named to ESPN all-decade AFC West team
By Brad Weiss
Four Raiders named to ESPN all-decade AFC West team
Janikowski, Mack, Hudson and Osemele named to team
When naming the all-decade team for the AFC West, ESPN listed four members of the Silver and Black who would dot their starting lineup. They had two players on the offensive side of the ball, one on defense, and the division’s kicker, as Rodney Hudson, Kelechi Osemele, Khalil Mack, and Sebastian Janikowski made the cut.
The choice for Hudson was an easy one, as he played his entire career within the AFC West, first with the Kansas City Chiefs, and then with the Raiders. He is by far the most elite center in the conference, and he was joined on the team by former teammate Kelechi Osemele, who, like Hudson, came to the team via free agency, and had some of his best seasons in the Silver and Black.
That 2016 offensive line paved the way for the Raiders only playoff berth of the decade, and though he only played three seasons with Oakland, he was a two-time Pro Bowler, and a First Team All-Pro. Osemele was traded to the New York Jets after the 2018 season, but an injured shoulder, and disconnect with the organization led to his release.
On defense, Khalil Mack was the only Raiders player to make the lineup, and during his time with the franchise, he was the premier player at his position in football. Unfortunately, he was traded prior to the 2018 season, and in return, the Silver and Black have gotten two first round players in Josh Jacobs and Damon Arnette.
Sebastian Janikowski was named as the AFC West kicker by ESPN, and with the Raiders, he appeared in his only Pro Bowl in 2011. During his 17-years with the team, Janikowski missed only six extra points, and finished as the franchise’s all-time leading scorer.