Las Vegas Raiders: Greatest Draft Class of the Last 20 Years

Former Raiders OLB Khalil Mack- Adam Hunger/USA TODAY Sports

If the Superbowl is the ultimate measure of success, then it is safe to say that the Las Vegas Raiders have not been able to achieve such heights since 2003. When Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon retired in 2004 due to injury, the team was left in full rebuild mode.  In the past 20 years, there have been both atrocious and exceptional draft classes that have attempted to restore the team’s greatness. The draft class of 2014 reinvigorated the fan base and gave them a reason to cheer again.  

The Most Important Position in the NFL

Former Raiders QB Derek Carr (4) – D. Ross Cameron/AP

The quarterback is the most important player on the field. The position demands leadership, accuracy, health, and consistency. After Rich Gannon, the Raiders failed to fill the position with someone who was exceptional. 2007 brought about excitement as the Raiders had the number one overall pick in the draft. Unfortunately, they ended up picking Jamarcus Russell, who is now widely considered to be one of the biggest busts in NFL history. The revolving door did not stop there. In total, the franchise started a whopping 14 quarterbacks from 2003 to 2014.

It wasn’t until 2014 that the Raiders finally got their franchise quarterback in Derek Carr. Carr quickly became the face of the franchise and helped turn the Raider team around. Although the Raiders didn’t quite achieve the pinnacle of greatness, they were able to be competitive in the NFL for the first time since 2003. Carr became one of the greatest quarterbacks in Raider history, becoming the all-time passing leader with the franchise. He also holds the single-season passing record (2021). In addition, he became a 4-time pro bowler and led the team to two playoff appearances.  

Not only did the Raiders get Derek Carr in the 2014 draft, but they also drafted outside linebacker Khalil Mack who went on to be named the Defensive Player of the Year in 2016. In terms of impact on the franchise, 2014 is the clear winner as the greatest draft class in the last 20 years. 

However, in order to determine that the 2014 class was better than other draft classes, it is necessary to determine what we believe constitutes “best.” While Carr and Mack both put the Raiders back on the NFL map, the 2019 draft produced more greatness in a single draft year. 

The 2019 Draft Class

Although 2014 was the most important draft class for the success of the Franchise, 2019 produced many great players in multiple rounds of the draft. 

Raiders RB Josh Jacobs (28) – Jeff Bottari/Getty Images

In the first round, the Las Vegas Raiders selected Clemlin Ferrell with their fourth pick. This pick was a miss, but the Raiders redeemed themselves with their next first-round pick. The Raiders selected Josh Jacobs who is currently the top running back in the league.

Raiders DE Maxx Crosby (98) – Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images

The fourth-round selection was Mad Maxx Crosby, who ended up being a superstar defensive end and is by far the best defensive player on the roster today.

Former Raiders TE Foster Moreau (87) – Michael Owens/Getty Images

The fourth-round also produced Foster Moreau who ended up being the perfect compliment to Darren Waller‘s game. 

Raiders WR Hunter Renfrow– Joe Camporeale/USA Today Sports

In the fifth round, the Raiders acquired Hunter Renfrow, one of the best slot receivers that the Raiders have had in recent history. 

The Greatest Draft Class

Although it is clear that the 2019 draft was a successful one for the organization, the impact that the 2014 class had was far superior. It laid the foundation for the team’s success for many years. The same cannot be said about the 2019 draft class. Running back Josh Jacobs is currently playing under the franchise tag, and his future with the organization is unclear; Foster Moreau was diagnosed with cancer and is no longer in the league, and there are trade rumors surrounding wide receiver Hunter Renfrow. While there is no question the Raiders had a good draft year in 2019, the success didn’t materialize into winning seasons after. 

Ultimately it is the impact that determines a successful draft class, and the drafting of both Khalil Mack and Derek Carr cannot be overlooked as it changed the trajectory of a once win-less team. It’s easy to forget just how terrible the Raiders were before Carr stepped into the picture. And although he wasn’t able to take the team to the promised land, he made them contenders. This is why the 2014 class is superior to the 2019 draft class, although a legitimate argument can be made for 2019’s draft class.

Other AFC West Greatest Draft Classes

Denver Broncos: Greatest Draft Class in the Past 20 Years – Brison Owens