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Oakland Raiders: Top 20 Draft Picks In Franchise History

By Erik Lambert

Sep 13, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) stands in the team huddle before taking a snap against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) stands in the team huddle before taking a snap against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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#8:  Fred Biletnikoff (11th overall, 1965)

Aug 3, 2013; Canton, OH, USA; Fred Biletnikoff (center) at the 2013 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement at Fawcett Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 3, 2013; Canton, OH, USA; Fred Biletnikoff (center) at the 2013 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement at Fawcett Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

He wasn’t tall enough, was rail thin, didn’t look overly strong, and smoked cigarettes most of his career.  Based on that information, nobody in their right mind would think Fred Biletnikoff would become a Hall of Fame wide receiver in pro football.  It just goes to show that it’s not always about what appears on the outside.  Biletnikoff may not have been fast but he knew how to get open and make plays no matter how much more athletic the defender guarding him was.

Some will argue he had a lot of help, having been noted for using a substance call Stick ‘Em on his hands during his career, undoubtedly aiding in his ability to make difficult catches.  That may be, but the substance was not illegal at the time and several other players at the time were using it.  Besides, its use can’t explain all 598 catches he made for 8,974 yards and 76 touchdowns.  Maybe the guys was that good.

Next: #7

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