Oakland Raiders: The Franchise’s All Time Starting Team

Sep 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; An Oakland Raiders raiderette cheerleader performs during a break in the action against the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Raider defeated the Ravens 37-33. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Safety – Jack Tatum

“The Assassin” struck fear into the hearts of his opponents for his reputation as one of the hardest hitters to ever play the game. It’s a reputation that still holds true today. Rodney Harrison had nothing on Tatum.

Many in NFL circles believe that Tatum should be in the Hall of Fame. But it was his hit on Patriots wide receiver Darryl Stingley – a hit that left the receiver paralyzed from the chest down – that most believe has prevented Tatum’s induction.

He was probably one of the most intimidating forces to ever play the game. Receivers out on their routes had to know where Tatum was at all times, otherwise they were just asking to get knocked out. The Raiders liked that about him an used the nineteenth overall pick of the 1971 draft to take Tatum out of Ohio State.

Next: Raiders Defense Must Lead the Way

He spent the next nine years with the Raiders terrorizing opponents and making them pay for not knowing where he was on the field at all times. Tatum was named to three Pro Bowls and helped lead the Raiders to a win in Super Bowl XI.

His 30 career interceptions tie him with George Atkinson for fifth place on the career franchise leaders list.