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With a few moves to and from different cities throughout their time in the league, the Las Vegas Raiders have been quite on an NFL journey. But make no mistake about it, the Raiders are still one of the strongest contenders coming out of the West Division of the AFC even if they've had to change area codes from time to time. They've also had the fortune of fielding a few Hall of Famers that have helped them through the years, a number of which are celebrated wide receivers who have propelled the franchise to where it is now. Here are the five best wide receivers in Las Vegas Raiders history, ranked.
5. Jerry Rice (2001-2004)
Okay so three short years with the team makes his case for one of the best wide receivers for the Raiders a bit debatable but it's hard to overlook the one and only Jerry Rice. Rice is a legend in his own right and even if his three years with the Raiders was rather dull compared to his very successful tenure in the Bay Area, a player like him deserves to be on this list. Rice stepped in for the Raiders in 2001 and formed an incredible duo with fellow receiver Tim Brown – arguably the best 1-2 receiving combo the Raiders ever had. These two, along with quarterback Rich Gannon, even brought the Raiders to Super Bowl XXXVII.
Rice celebrated quite a few career milestones in his time with the Raiders. In 2002, the Hall of Famer scored his 200th career touchdown against the Denver Broncos and surpassed Walter Payton to become the league's career leader in total yards. Though he's only 18th in team history when it comes to receiving yards, he's still makes the cut because of his undeniable legendary status.
4. Art Powell (1963-1966)
Another player who had a short but terrific career with the Raiders is All-Time All-AFL Team member Art Powell. The wide receiver dominated the mid-60's as the Raiders' starting wide receiver. He put up a total of 4,491 yards in just four years with the team. In that short amount of time, he was able to make it to the fourth overall in terms of the franchise leaders in receiving yards and in touchdowns. Now that's impressive numbers from the four-time AFL All-Star. In his debut season with the Raiders in 1963, he tallied an incredible 16 touchdowns and would go on to lead the Raiders' attack for the next three seasons and tallied a total of 50 touchdowns.
3. Cliff Branch (1972-1986)
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A houeshould name when it comes to Raiders legends, Cliff Branch comes in at the number three spot. After being drafted in the fourth round of the 1972 NFL Draft, the Texas native would go on to spend his entire 14-year career. He finished his stay with the Raiders with 501 receptions for 8,685 yards and 67 touchdowns. For a time, he also led playoff records for reception and receiving yards while spearheading the Raiders' glory years in the 70's and 80's. It's no surprise that the iconic wide receiver made it to the Pro Bowl four straight times from 1974-1977 and was also selected to the first-team All-Pro in three of those years. Did I forget to mention that Branch won three Super Bowl rings for the Raiders? Yes, Branch was part of all three championship teams of the Raiders in 1976, 1980 and 1983. Absolute legend.
2. Fred Biletnikoff (1965-1978)
If the best receiver award in College Football is named after you, then you're probably pretty damn good. Hall of Famer Fred Biletnikoff is without a doubt one of the best catchers to ever suit of for the Silver and Black. Biletnikoff currently ranks second in Raiders history for receptions (589), yards (8,974) and touchdowns (76). He was also pivotal in the Raiders' first ever championship victory against the Minnesota Vikings in 1976 and won Super Bowl XI MVP. The NFL receptions leader in 1971 also made it to six Pro Bowls in his 14-year career.
1. Tim Brown (1988-2003)
As part of the NFL All-Decade Team of the 1990's, Tim Brown is surely one of the most iconic players to ever play in the NFL. And, he's the best wide receiver in franchise history. Without a doubt. The nine-time Pro Bowler leads the franchise in yards, receptions and touchdown, even in all-purpose yards. He had a nine-year stretch where he had 1,000+ receiving yards which is just unthinkable. He blessed Raider Nation with a decade and a half of glorious routes and catches and will for sure go down in history as one of the best Raider of all-time. Surely, it's just a matter of time until #81 goes up in the rafters.
