As the NFL Draft approaches, teams prepare to welcome talent with anticipation and optimism. It’s also a period of reflection for teams like the Las Vegas Raiders, who have a long history of hits and misses.
Let’s look back at some of Raiders history’s more dubious and downright awful draft choices. While there is much hope heading into the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit, recalling these misses helps to show teams like the Raiders can prepare well, but you never know what will happen.
10. Derrick Gibson, Safety (28th overall, 2001)
Starting our rankings is safety Derrick Gibson, chosen towards the end of the round in 2001. With hopes of strengthening the defense with the Florida State star, Gibson faced challenges with keeping up in the NFL and a spat of endless injuries. During his six seasons with the Raiders, he fell short of meeting the expectations set for a first-round pick, eventually fading away without leaving a mark. After his playing career ended, Gibson had a successful high school coaching career and now coaches safeties at Florida International University.
Related: 20 biggest NFL draft busts of all time: Zach Wilson becomes latest QB bust
9. Patrick Bates, Safety (12th overall, 1993)
Chosen as the 12th overall pick, Patrick Bates was expected to be a force on the Los Angeles Raiders’ defense. However, his time with the Raiders was brief and unimpressive. Following two seasons and a short contract dispute, the team traded Bates to the Atlanta Falcons. Bates didn’t last long in Atlanta, partially due to legal trouble that saw the team release him after just one season.
8. Rolando McClain, Linebacker (8th overall, 2010)
Rolando McClain was supposed to be the cornerstone of the Oakland Raiders linebacker group but was a significant disappointment. After Al Davis signed him to a five-year, $40 million contract in July 2010—$23 million guaranteed—things went downhill quickly. McClain, who was from Alabama, had no desire to play on the West Coast. He got into a shouting match with then-head Dennis Allen in November 2012 after giving little effort during practice and was suspended for two games. His problems off the field, which included several arrests and lack of dedication to football, resulted in his departure after three seasons, serving as a warning about unfulfilled promises. After sitting out the 2013 season, McClain signed with the Dallas Cowboys and finished second in the AP Comeback Player of the Year race, finishing the 2014 campaign a renewed player.
Related: Former 1st-rounder Rolando McClain reinstated after three years out of NFL
7. Matt Stinchcomb, Offensive Tackle (18th overall, 1999)
The Oakland Raiders drafted Matt Stinchcomb out of the University of Georgia in the first round with every expectation that he would anchor their offensive line for a decade or more. Stinchcomb’s Raiders career was plagued by injuries, and he never evolved into the reliable player that the Raiders had hoped for. He retired at age 27 after one season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and after complications from back surgery led to blood clots and a heart condition. Stinchcomb went out to a successful career at ESPN as a college football analyst.
6. Bob Buczkowski, Defensive End (24th overall, 1986)
The disappointment with selecting University of Pittsburgh defensive end Bob Buczkowski was immediate and on draft day. His selection surprised everyone around the league, as many experts didn’t peg him as a first-round pick. Things got worse after he signed with the Raiders, playing in just two games in his entire career in Oakland, including missing his entire rookie season due to injury. Sadly, Buczkowski died in 2018 at just 54 years old after several health issues and trouble with legal matters as well.
5. John Clay, Offensive Tackle (15th overall, 1987)
John Clay, a first-round offensive lineman selection, struggled to make an impact in his career both with the Los Angeles Raiders, who drafted him, and later with the San Diego Chargers. His time with the Raiders was plagued by his inability to play at a level resembling a first-rounder. He also didn’t show much improvement and played just 10 games for LA. The pick of Clay set the Raiders back years at the position and after trading Clay to San Diego for Jim Lachey, they quickly sent Lachey packing to Washington for quarterback Jay Schroeder. Lachey had career years in Washington from 1989 to 1991, including being named an All-Pro for three seasons. John Clay’s entire pro career lasted just 12 games.
Related: Las Vegas Raiders mock draft 2024: Building the team and finding a QB
4. Todd Marinovich, Quarterback (24th overall, 1991)
Dubbed “Robo QB” for his groomed-for-stardom upbringing, Todd Marinovich’s career was undermined by personal issues and substance abuse. His tenure with the Raiders was brief and troubled, ending after just two seasons. The Raiders passed up on future Hall of Famer Brett Favre in the same draft as owner Al Davis overruled his scouts to take Marinovich. While Marinovich continued to struggle after his NFL career, he finally got sober and currently enjoys a career as an artist.
3. Marc Wilson, Quarterback (15th overall, 1980)
Marc Wilson is often regarded as one of the worst draft choices in the Raiders history. Picked 15th overall in the 1980 NFL Draft, there were hopes that Wilson would follow in the footsteps of Ken Stabler. However, his performance failed to meet those expectations. Throughout his decade with the Raiders, Wilson struggled with inconsistency. He never quite solidified his role as a dependable starting quarterback. He only completed 51.1% of his passes and threw more interceptions (86) than touchdowns (77). Turnovers characterized Wilson’s time with the team, as did a lack of success in the playoffs. Those shortcomings cemented his legacy as a symbol of untapped potential and missed opportunities.
Related: Las Vegas Raiders: Top 10 all-time first-round NFL Draft picks
2. Robert Gallery, Offensive Lineman (2nd overall, 2004)
Robert Gallery was projected to be a franchise left tackle but shifted to guard after struggles at his original position. While he had a decent career compared to others on this list, the expectations tied to his draft position make him one of the biggest Raiders draft disappointments. Being drafted ahead of future Pro Bowlers and All-Pros, including Larry Fitzgerald, Philip Rivers, Ben Roethlisberger, and Sean Taylor, makes his underachievement especially stark.
Related: 2024 NFL Draft prospect rankings: Best players in the 2024 NFL Draft
1. JaMarcus Russell, Quarterback (1st overall, 2007)
JaMarcus Russell stands out as the worst NFL Draft pick, not just in the Raider’s history but in NFL history. He frequently appears at the top of lists discussing all-time draft disappointments. Following his selection as the first overall pick, Russell’s lackluster work ethic, fitness level, and on-field performance quickly garnered widespread attention for all the wrong reasons. Russell’s time with the Raiders was short-lived, lasting three seasons and leaving behind a legacy marked by unmet expectations and wild stories about his ineptitude.
Read more: Drafting a quarterback in the first round is the NFL’s biggest crapshoot