Oakland Raiders: Worst First Round Draft Picks In Franchise History

The Oakland Raiders are going into the 2016 draft looking to hit a home run in the first round – who hopefully won’t turn out like these former first rounders.

The Oakland Raiders – after getting a few solid drafts as well as some savvy free agent moves under their belts – are generating a ton of buzz. After a 2015 season that saw them win as many games (seven) as they won the previous two seasons combined, Oakland is quickly gaining respectability around the league.

It’s been a long road for the franchise – and for its fans – but after not having had a winning season since 2002, there are some who are projecting that the Raiders can compete for an AFC West crown in 2016 and make a long awaited return to the postseason.

That renewed respect for the Silver and Black is owed in large part, to GM Reggie McKenzie laying a solid foundation through the draft. Acquiring players like Derek Carr, Amari Cooper, Khalil Mack, Gabe Jackson, Justin Ellis, Clive Walford, and Latavius Murray have the Raiders knocking on the door of success once again. – and with three games in prime time this season, it seems that even the league has taken notice.

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But the Raiders’ draft history – as is the case with every other team in the league – is also littered with busts and flameouts. For every big first round success story the Raiders have had, there are a number of first round failures – thus proving that for all of the hype and buzz surrounding this player or that player, drafting truly is an inexact science. At best.

For the Raiders to take the next step in the resurrection of the franchise, they’ll need to nail down another solid draft class to provide depth and players who can step in and make solid contributions on the field. And they’ll need to do their very best to avoid players who’ve got red flags or bust potential written all over them.

With that in mind then — and with the NFL Draft right around the corner — let’s look at some of the biggest first round disappointments and failures in franchise history as something of a cautionary tale…

Next: The 2013 Draft