3 former Raiders who should be Hall of Famers before Julian Edelman

3 former Raiders who should be Hall of Famers before Julian Edelman

No. 1: Cliff Branch

Whether you are a Raiders fan or a fan of any other team, there is one player who most agrees should already be in the Hall of Fame. That player is Cliff Branch, who set the NFL on fire during the 1970s, becoming arguably the best wide receiver of that decade, and a player who certainly deserves to get into Canton before Edelman.

Branch played his entire 14-year career with the Raiders, was a member of three Super Bowl-winning teams, and during the mid-1970s, you would be hard-pressed to find a better weapon on the offensive side of the ball. He was named a first-team All-Pro in three consecutive years, a Pro Bowler every year from 1974 through 1977, and always stepped up in the biggest of games.

For his career, Branch finished with 8,685 yards and 67 touchdowns, twice leading the league in touchdown receptions. Also, he had almost 1,300 yards just in playoff games alone, while hauling in five playoff touchdowns as well.

Unfortunately, Branch passed away unexpectedly a few years back, and like his former quarterback, Ken Stabler, he would have to get in posthumously if he is to be enshrined. Branch dominated the NFL during the 1970s and deserves his spot in Canton.