Raiders: Ranking the top 5 offensive linemen in franchise history
By Allen Settle
4. Steve Wisniewski, LG, Raiders
The decision at No. 4 was much less difficult. The Raiders have a clear top-trio of legendary offensive linemen. However, it’s important not to overlook Steve Wisniewski.
The former Penn State Nittany Lions lineman was a major game-changer on the interior of the lines in Oakland and Las Angeles. He was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, a two-time first-team All-Pro, and a member of the NFL All-Decade team in the 1990s.
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
Wisniewski had a reputation as a monster on the field. He rarely passed on an opportunity to deliver a big hit and send a message to the opposing team. He’s firmly cemented at the number four spot.
3. Jim Otto, C, Raiders
As good a Wisniewski was, the emergence of Jim Otto marks a different level of this conversation. There are few teams in league history with a tandem of top lineman that can match the Raiders.
Otto was a force for the team during his entire 15-year career. During that time, he was able to earn three NFL Pro Bowl selections. Does that number seem low?
It’s only because he also played in the pre-merger era. Otto was also rewarded with nine AFL All-Star selections, meaning that he earned top honors in 12 of his 15 professional seasons. He was also a key cog in the franchise’s 1967 AFL Championship.
He is widely considered by many to be one of, if not the top center in the history of the sport.