Raiders: Ranking the top 5 defensive backs in franchise history

The Las Vegas Raiders have had some incredible defensive backs play for the franchise.

The top all-time members of the Las Vegas Raiders franchise at each offensive position have been ranked. They can be assessed here: quarterback, running back, receiver, offensive lineman.

Now, we turn our attention to the other side of the football, beginning with the top defensive backs to ever suit up in silver and black. As a point of clarification, this ranking includes both the cornerback and safety positions.

Where do your favorite Raiders’ legends check-in? Let’s find out.

5. Nnamdi Asomugha, CB, Raiders

Any all-time top-five list begins with countless legends on the outside looking in. In this particular case, stars such as Mike Haynes, Terry McDaniel, Dave Grayson, George Atkinson, and Fred Williamson headline this group.

I’ll start my defense of Nnamdi Asomugha by admitting that he is the most questionable selection on this list. Furthermore, I admit that I never saw historic talents that played during the era of the NFL/AFL merger.

However, I stand by Asomugha as a top-five defensive back in Raiders’ history.

Despite playing only eight seasons in Oakland, Asomugha made a name for himself as the best cornerbacks in the sport. While his 11 total interceptions in his Raiders career (24th in team history) feels like a shockingly low total, it is actually a testament to the former Cal superstar’s dominance.

His counting stats are noticeably low because opposing quarterbacks generally avoided throwing the ball to the player he was matched up with. In fact, they often didn’t even throw on the same side of the field as the lockdown corner.

Asomugha’s mastery of his craft during a three-year stretch of Pro Bowl appearances from 2008-2010 cement his spot on this list.