Raiders: Ranking the top 5 receivers in franchise history

2. Fred Biletnikoff, WR, Raiders

The order of the final two spots on this list is razor thin. Fred Biletnikoff, like Branch, spent his entire 14-year NFL career in Oakland. During this time, he posted historic numbers. His 8,974 receiving yards and 76 touchdowns are both the second most the franchise has ever seen.

Biletnikoff was also the type of player that was widely considered to be among the best (if not the best) at his position. The four-time Pro Bowler helped led his team to an AFL championship in 1967 and a Super Bowl title in 1976. He was also named MVP of the latter championship.

While his counting stats may seem low compared to modern players in the fast-paced, aerial attacking NFL, make no mistake, Biletnikoff was a legendary talent. The Hall of Famer has a legitimate claim to the title of the greatest receiver in team history.

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

1. Tim Brown, WR, Raiders

Biletnikoff being locked in at No. 2 means there is only one other player with the resume to be the best in Raiders’ history — Tim Brown. In terms of numbers and production, Brown is in a league of his own.

Over his 15 seasons in Oakland and Los Angeles, the former top pick posted a staggering 1,070 receptions, 14,734 receiving yards, and 99 receiving touchdowns. All three of these figures lead the franchise by a wide margin.

In fact, his receptions and yards are nearly double the next highest player. His yardage total is the seventh-highest in the history of the entire NFL.

The former Heisman trophy winner (1987) was also a nine-time Pro Bowl section and NFL Hall of Fame inductee. In addition to his production as a receiver, Brown was also a dangerous return man.

His speed and agility allowed him to become the franchise leader in every major punt return category, as well as the leader in all-purpose yards and yards from scrimmage for a position player.

Brown was the model of consistency throughout his career. He was a major asset to the Raiders’ offense for a decade and a half. In fact, he even set the NFL record for most consecutive starts of a wide receiver with 176.

The only knock on his resume was a lack of team success. While he joins Art Powell as the only player on this list without a Super Bowl ring, there is little questioning the rest of Brown’s resume.

He is the best pass-catcher to ever play for the Raiders’ franchise.

What changes would you make to this top-five list?