Raiders: Ranking the top 5 linebackers in franchise history
By Allen Settle
The Las Vegas Raiders have had some pretty impressive linebackers in their franchise’s history.
Another day without major sports means another day ranking the top position players in the history of the Las Vegas Raiders‘ franchise.
Top-five lists for the following positions can be assessed here: quarterback, running back, receiver, offensive line, defensive back, and defensive line.
Today, we rank the top five players on the final defensive unit — linebacker. This unit has a plethora of options, headlined by two elite players at spots No. 1 and No. 2.
Where do your favorite Raiders rank? Let’s dive in!
5. Phil Villapiano, Raiders
Phil Villapiano edges out players like Kirk Morrison, Matt Millen, Archie Matsos, Gus Otto, Jerry Robinson, and many others. The 1970’s star is difficult to rank due to the fact that tackling statistics were not tracked during his career.
However, we do know that he was a four-time Pro Bowler and a member of the team’s 1976 Super Bowl championship roster.
He missed just one of his 118 starts as a member of the Raiders and was a key cog on the defense for nearly a decade. The former second-round pick out of Bowling Green State managed to cement his place among Raiders greats.