Defensive linemen are a key component of successful defenses, as they have the power to disrupt a play before it even starts. A quality disruptor is difficult to come by, but in Las Vegas Raiders history, this is not the case. Sacks were not officially recorded until 1982, which makes many players’ stats difficult to interpret.
Still, here is an updated overview of the top five pass rushers who have played for the Silver and Black.
Top 5 Greatest Pass Rushers In Raiders History
No. 5: Chester McGlockton, Interior, 1992-1997
May a wonderful talent in Chester McGlockton rest in peace, as his career was highly impressive. He began his career learning from two amazing edge rushers, Howie Long and Greg Townsend. His early years on the Raiders consisted mostly of learning, as he did not make much of an impact.
However, in 1994 something sparked in McGlockton, completely altering the trajectory of his career. By this time, both of his star teammates were nearing the end of their careers, which gave him the opportunity to take the lead. He finished this season with 62 tackles and over nine sacks. His performance led to his first Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection.
1995 was an even more dominant season because, despite game planning for his presence, he was unstoppable. He received a Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro recognition. This season was the beginning of four consecutive years of him being a Pro Bowl player.
One of his offensive teammates, Tim Brown, had high praise when asked about the impact of McGlockton on the football field. “Once he turned that motor on to get to the quarterback, he could do it any time he wanted,” Brown said.
No. 4: Khalil Mack, EDGE, 2014-2017
Linebackers have transitioned in football to be hybrids and be able to perform a multitude of actions. Although Mack’s official position was as an outside linebacker, his primary role was as an edge rusher.
Does Mack lose points due to his relatively short stint with the Raiders? Obviously not; he was one of the most dominant forces playing for the team during his run. He never missed a game in all of his four seasons with the team. It is undeniable that Mack was the best player on the roster every year he was a part of the club.
In the end, Mack had a historic run totaling 40.5 sacks, 304 tackles, and two touchdowns for the Raiders.
Many Raider fans may have an uneasy feeling about him, given that he left the team during his prime. Well, technically, then-head coach Jon Gruden traded him. Still, there was very little talent around him on defense, and he was still able to succeed. Mack is the only defensive lineman ever to win Defensive Player of the Year for the Raiders. It would be disrespectful for him not to be on the list.
No. 3: Bill Pickel, Nose Tackle, 1983-1990
When initially hearing that an interior defensive lineman was recording over 11 sacks for three straight seasons, most would assume this is a very well-known player. In Pickel’s career, this was not the case. One of the biggest reasons is that he was overshadowed by his teammates, who were considered far more dominant. Playing during the prime of both Howie Long and Greg Townsend definitely hindered Pickel’s career.
There is no denying his significant contribution to the Raiders’ most dominant defensive line in history. In 1983, Pickel began his rookie season with the Raiders and was immediately productive, with six sacks to end the season. They would go on to win the Super Bowl, and the next season saw an increase in his role.
For a nose tackle to be in the top ten for Raiders’ sacks shows the talent that Pickel possessed. He was also a first-team All-Pro in 1986 despite playing with greats alongside him.
No. 2: Greg Townsend, Defensive End, 1983-1997
Townsend is the all-time leader in sacks in franchise history and, by far, the statistically best Raider ever. His career has both dominance and longevity, as he was with the team for over 12 years. He has also totaled over 109 sacks during this period.
Why is he only the second-best end of all time? His statistics do not accurately represent the offensive strategies used against the Raiders. His partner in crime, Howie Long, was acquiring most of the attention and double teams. This approach is what allowed Townsend to flourish and record noteworthy numbers.
Nonetheless, Townsend was an incredible talent who was part of the most talented defensive line in Raider history. It would not be a legitimate list if the all-time leader was not near the top.
No. 1: Howie Long, Defensive End, 1981-1993
He was a member of the All-Decade 1980s team, a Hall of Famer, and a 1983 Super Bowl champion. Long is the definition of ‘Once a Raider, Always a Raider,’ as he never played for any other team during his tenure. On top of this, he was also a two-time first-team All-Pro.
Each of his final two seasons, at the ages of 32 and 33, saw him selected for the Pro Bowl, demonstrating his durability. Long had established himself as one of the league’s top defenders by the end of his third season. During his career he was named to the Pro Bowl eight times.
Long’s numbers read as 91.5 sacks along with ten fumble recoveries. There should be no doubt that Long is the best defensive lineman to ever play for the Raiders.
Are The Raiders Ignoring An Obvious Weakness On Their Roster?
The post Top 5 Greatest Pass Rushers In Raiders History appeared first on The Raider Ramble.