Oakland Raiders: Worst First Round Draft Picks In Franchise History

Bob Buczkowski (Twenty-Fourth Overall – 1986)

With Lyle Alzado retiring, the Raiders knew they needed to get some fresh blood on the defensive line. They needed a beast they could rotate with Greg Townsend and Howie Long who knew how to get after the quarterback. Enter University of Pittsburgh defensive end Bob Buczkowski.

More from Golden Gate Sports

• Raiders: Rookie stock report following Week 3 performance
• 49ers sign new long snapper amidst a flurry of roster moves
• Oakland Athletics win Game 2 of Wild Card round with late-inning drama
• 49ers: George Kittle and Deebo Samuel cleared to return to practice
• 49ers expected to place DE Dee Ford on injured reserve

While perhaps not as decorated as some others, Buczkowski was a solid defender for Pitt and the Raiders felt he had what it took to play at the next level. So they used the twenty-fourth overall pick on Buczkowski in the 1986 Draft.

Turns out, it’s one of the biggest mistakes the franchise ever made.

Buczkowski could neither stay healthy enough, or showed enough talent to make an impact on the defensive line as the team had hoped he would when they drafted him. In 1986, he missed the season due to injury and in 1987 – his only active season in Silver and Black – Buczkowski appeared in just two games. Two. He did record a sack in those two appearances, so he has that going for him.

The Raiders were quick to part ways with him following that 1987 season. He showed up again in 1989 with the Phoenix Cardinals and then played most of the season with Cleveland the following year. And that was it.

After that, the next time the world heard from Bob Buczkowski, it was because he was being arrested and was going to spend some quality time in prison for running a drug and prostitution ring.

1986 wasn’t a banner year for defensive ends in the draft, but Buczkowski will remain the absolute worst of the lot.

Next: The 2009 Draft