The Las Vegas Raiders last held the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft in 2007, making it one of the longer gaps for a franchise between top overall selections.
The Raiders’ Last No. 1 Pick: 2007 NFL Draft
- Draft Year: 2007
- Overall Pick: No. 1
- Team Name at the Time: Oakland Raiders
- Player Selected: JaMarcus Russell
- Position: Quarterback
- College: LSU
The Raiders earned the first overall selection after finishing the 2006 NFL season with a 2–14 record, which was the worst record in the league that year.
How Long Has It Been Since the Raiders Picked No. 1?
It has been more than 18 years since the Raiders last owned the No. 1 overall pick. Since 2007:
- The Raiders have not held the No. 1 overall pick again.
- They have rarely finished as the NFL’s worst team.
- The franchise has gone through major changes, including relocation and multiple rebuilding phases.
Highest Draft Picks Since 2007
While the Raiders haven’t selected first overall again, they have drafted near the top several times, including:
- 2014: No. 5 overall – Khalil Mack
- 2019: No. 4 overall – Clelin Ferrell
- 2020: No. 12 overall – Henry Ruggs III
These high selections reflect periods of struggle, but the Raiders have typically avoided finishing with the league’s worst record.
Why the 2007 No. 1 Pick Still Matters
The 2007 draft remains a significant reference point in Raiders history, often used in discussions about quarterback scouting, draft strategy, and long-term franchise rebuilding.
Final Answer
The Raiders last had the No. 1 overall draft pick in 2007, when they selected quarterback JaMarcus Russell.