Best Raiders Statistical Seasons – Defense

This roster isn’t build off who would give the Raiders the best possible roster on the field, but specifically on a year to year basis. For example, while Davante Adams isn’t the best Raiders receiver of all time, his 2022 season certainly is among the best, if not the best, in Raiders history. Additionally, no factor of awards, all-pro, pro-bowl, or team success is factored into this; just the simple baseline season regardless if said player won the Super Bowl, MVP, or the team finished the year 0-16 (they didn’t but you get the point). The goal of this article is NOT outlining the best Raiders of all time, it’s to simply showcase what I believe, in my opinion are some of the best Raiders seasons of all time.

If you have not read the Offense, Special Teams please read those to see the full roster
(these may not be live at the time of reading)

* Key Note: I can only select each player ONCE, there’s no duplicate players*

EDGE Rusher: Greg Townsend – 1991
Stats: 16 Games, 55 tackles, 13 sacks, 3 FF, FR, INT est. 16 TFL
Others Considered: Greg Townsend (1990, 1986, 1988), Maxx Crosby (2022, 2023), Ben Davidson (1968, 1970)

• This was a tough one between Townsend, Long, and Crosby. Townsend’s 1991 season may be the best of his career with the Raiders. The NFL didn’t track TFL, but he’s estimated to be between 14 and 19 TFL on the season by historians, and he was an instant impact player for the Raiders as he was for the majority of his career. Townsend’ average value, which is used to indicate player value similar to MLB’s WAR, was 15 on the season. For reference, Myles Garrett logged a 25 value in 2025 breaking the NFL sack record. Townsend is an excellent run defender, did well vs the pass, and he was able to work across the defensive line which will benefit the entire defense.

Defensive Tackle: Darrell Russell – 1998
Stats: 16 Games, 65 tackles, 10 sacks, 3 FF, est 18 TFL, 5 PBU
Others Considered: Darrell Russell (1999), Chester McGlockton (1994-1996), Ben Davidson (1967), Roderick Coleman (2004), Richard Seymour (2011)

• The NFL didn’t track PBU and TFL for the first two seasons of Russell’s career but his 15 TFL in 1999 and historians estimate about 16-19 TFL in 1998. Additionally, his average value is set at 19. The Raiders DL was built around Russell in 1998, he was a phenomenal athlete, was a 2x Pro Bowler, and 1x All-Pro. Russell defended the run at an exceptional level, was a violent pass rusher, and is likely one of the most athletic defensive tackles in NFL history, even today. This was a very tough slot to pick just two, but the dual ability of Russell to play the run and pass, across the defensive line including at true zero is immense.

Defensive Tackle: Bill Pickel -1986
Stats: 75 tackles, 11.6 sacks, FF, 2 FR...