The Raiders organization, whether in Oakland or Los Angeles or Las Vegas, has made plenty of poor NFL draft decisions throughout the years. Especially in the first round, where a team’s future rests on the gamble of top-rated selections. For the Silver and Black, the first round has not been a winning ticket, with some of the busts becoming some of the most infamous in league history.
Who are they?
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Here’s the Raiders’ ‘Unlucky 13″…
2023, Pick 7, Tyree Wilson, DE, Texas A&M
This is a make-or-break year for Wilson. He has failed to impress in his first two seasons and if he is going to prove to have been worth the high selection it has to be this season. He’s teetering on the bust market.
This is a make-or-break year for Wilson. He has failed to impress in his first two seasons and if he is going to prove to have been worth the high selection it has to be this season. He’s teetering on the bust market.
2021, Pick 17: Alex Leatherwood, OT, Alabama
The choice of the offensive lineman from Alabama was ridiculed when the Raiders made the pick. Turns out the critics were spot on. Leatherwood was waived after his rookie season. When last heard of in 2024, he was cut by the Chargers in December.
The choice of the offensive lineman from Alabama was ridiculed when the Raiders made the pick. Turns out the critics were spot on. Leatherwood was waived after his rookie season. When last heard of in 2024, he was cut by the Chargers in December.
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2020, Pick 12: Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama
What more could go wrong than having a first-round pick wind up in prison for a fatal DUI accident?
What more could go wrong than having a first-round pick wind up in prison for a fatal DUI accident?
2020, Pick 19: Damon Arnette, DB, Ohio State
Multiple arrests say it all. He hasn’t played in the league since 2021 but somehow is currently on the Houston Texans’ practice squad.
Multiple arrests say it all. He hasn’t played in the league since 2021 but somehow is currently on the Houston Texans‘ practice squad.
2019, Pick 27: Johnathan Abram, S, Mississippi State
Abram lasted until November 2022 before he was waived. He has bounced from Green Bay to Seattle to New Orleans. Not making much of an impact anywhere.
Abram lasted until November 2022 before he was waived. He has bounced from Green Bay to Seattle to New Orleans. Not making much of an impact anywhere.
2019, Pick 4: Clelin Ferrell, DE, Clemson
A star at Clemson, Ferrell had 4.5 sacks as a Raider rookie and never reached that number again. He played with the Commanders last year but they cut him. With Khalil Mack injured, the Chargers are signing him.
A star at Clemson, Ferrell had 4.5 sacks as a Raider rookie and never reached that number again. He played with the Commanders last year but they cut him. With Khalil Mack injured, the Chargers are signing him.
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2017, Pick 24: Gareon Conley, DB, Ohio State
Traded to Houston in 2019.
Traded to Houston in 2019.
2010, Pick 8: Rolando McClain, LB, Alabama
Multiple legal issues and was waived in 2013.
Multiple legal issues and was waived in 2013.
2007, Pick 1, JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
JaMarcus Russell’s troubles in Alabama put the former No. 1 overall pick by the Raiders back in the headlines for the wrong reasons. The quarterback from LSU isn’t alone in being a Raiders choice in the first round who didn’t exactly work out but he has the highest profile.
JaMarcus Russell’s troubles in Alabama put the former No. 1 overall pick by the Raiders back in the headlines for the wrong reasons. The quarterback from LSU isn’t alone in being a Raiders choice in the first round who didn’t exactly work out but he has the highest profile.
1997, Pick 2: Darrell Russell, DT, USC
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Darrell Russell sacks Baltimore Ravens quarterback Trent Dilfer.
Appeared headed for superstardom. Drug and other suspensions derailed his career. Lost his life in car accident.
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1993, Pick 12: Patrick Bates, DB, Texas A&M
Had a bunch of off-field issues that led to him being named the 37th biggest NFL bust out of Top 50 by ESPN.
Had a bunch of off-field issues that led to him being named the 37th biggest NFL bust out of Top 50 by ESPN.
1991, Pick 8: Todd Marinovich, QB, USC
Groomed to be the next big thing at QB by his dad. The USC star had all sorts of issues and turned into a bust.
Groomed to be the next big thing at QB by his dad. The USC star had all sorts of issues and turned into a bust.
1987, Pick 15: John Clay, OT, Missouri
After rookie season, Clay was traded to the Chargers. Out of football after 1988.
After rookie season, Clay was traded to the Chargers. Out of football after 1988.
This article originally appeared on The List Wire: From Russell to Ruggs, these are Raiders’ biggest first-round flops