Oakland Raiders: Top 20 Draft Picks In Franchise History

#11:  Ray Guy (23rd overall, 1973)

It took decades of arguing and loud cries, but the Hall of Fame voter finally relented on their hard line against special teams players by doing the right thing in voting punter Ray Guy into Canton.  It’s a position that holds a stigma for being soft and easy, nothing like what players go through on offense and defense.  Though true, Guy proved that it’s no less important to the success of the football team.  Without his booming kicks and accurate placement, it’s safe to say the Raiders wouldn’t have won nearly as many close games as they did.

Guy was a revelation to the NFL in 1973.  Oakland was so taken with his ability that they drafted him with the 23rd overall pick.  Not only that, but they took a punter that early knowing he had a broken foot at the time.  They didn’t care.  Guy didn’t take long to prove their trust was not misplaced.  For his career he averaged 42.4 net yards per punt and often had ones that sailed 60-70 yards with five seconds or more of hang time.  Oakland knew going into games that they would win the field position battle, and more often than not, the game with it.

Next: #10