NFL Draft: Greatest pick from each franchise’s history
NFL Draft: Greatest pick from each franchise’s history: Las Vegas Raiders, CB Charles Woodson
Pick: 1998 NFL Draft, 1st round number 4 overall
Stats:
- 65 interceptions
- 1,220 tackles
- 183 passes defended
Awards:
- 9 time Pro Bowler
- Former Defensive Player of the Year
There aren’t many players on the defensive side of the ball who can straight up dominate a game. It’s simply because the fate of a football team lays heavily on the shoulders of the quarterback. For Charles Woodson, his team’s success and failures oftentimes hinged upon his play.
The then Oakland Raiders knew exactly who they wanted with the fourth pick in the 1998 draft. Woodson was essentially a defensive force and an offensive weapon. Throwing in his direction not only resulted in an interception more times than not but with 13 scores off those turnovers, he frequently ran the ball into the end zone himself as opposed to simply getting his offense in position to do so.
Woodson was selected to five Pro Bowls during his time there and two All-Pro squads. His career total of 65 interceptions rank fifth all-time, and unlike most, Woodson never really slowed during the backend of his career. In his final three years at the age of 37, 38 and 39 – Woodson racked up ten interceptions, including five in his final season in the league in 2015.
The Hall of Fame wasted no time in ushering him to his seat the moment he was eligible, cementing his place in history and as the greatest pick for Raiders nation.