Las Vegas Raiders: The franchise’s all-time team
By John Buhler
Las Vegas Raiders all-time team: Cornerbacks
1967-78. Willie Brown. 24. player. 28. . Cornerback
If there was anything that Al Davis loved to build his football team around, it was fast guys on the outside, particularly at cornerback. For better or worse, the Raiders have always invested heavily at the position. The greatest corner to have played for the Raiders is none other than Pro Football Hall of Famer Willie Brown.
Brown played 16 professional football seasons. After spending his first four AFL seasons with the rival Denver Broncos, Brown would come to the Raiders and play out the rest of his Hall of Fame career. He was a nine-time Pro Bowler, a five-time All-Pro and a Super Bowl Champion in 1976. Brown was a first ballot Hall of Famer, inducted as a part of the 1984 class.
1977-86. Lester Hayes. 37. player. 28. . Cornerback
Lester Hayes’ hall of fame candidacy is interesting, but probably sides on just being very good. He played all 10 of his NFL seasons in the Silver and Black out of Texas A&M. Hayes made five straight Pro Bowls, was an All-Pro in 1980 and a two-time Super Bowl champion in 1980 and 1983.
Hayes’ 1980 season was stuff of legend. He led the league in interceptions with a staggering 13 for 279 yards and a pick-six. Hayes would finish his NFL career with 39 picks for 609 combined return yards and five defensive touchdowns. His stretch form 1980 to 1984 had him as one of the best corners in the NFL during his peak.
Honorable mentions: Nnamdi Asomugha (2003-10), Dave Grayson (1965-70), Mike Haynes (1983-89), Kent McCloughan (1965-70), Terry McDaniel (1988-97), Fred Williamson (1961-64)