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5 Best Wide Receivers in Raiders History

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

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5 Best Wide Receivers in Raiders History

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Zach Kaplan | Last updated Jun 27, 2026 4:45 PM ET

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The Raiders are a premier nomadic franchise in football, having started in Oakland from 1960 to 1981, then relocated to Los Angeles from 1981 to 1995, before returning to Oakland until their most recent move to Las Vegas in 2020.

Through all of that moving around, though, there's been a consistent identity about this team, and Raider Nation knows no bounds. That mentality demands competitive teams and fearsome offenses. When the Raiders have been at their best, their wide receivers have been the ones to shine.

Whether it's Davante Adams, Jerry Rice, or Jerry Porter, the Raiders have had some truly incredible wideouts in their long history. But not everyone can make this list.

Below, we attempted to rank the top five wideouts in franchise history.

5. Warren Wells (1967-1970)

Wells had one of the most electric runs in Raiders history, albeit one unfortunately cut short. A 12th-round pick in 1964, Wells debuted with the Lions but was drafted into the US Army after his 1964 debut season, signing with the Raiders upon his return.

With Daryle Lamonica under center, Wells became one of the most dangerous deep ball threats in pro football, averaging what would have been an NFL record 23.1 yards per catch had Wells met the minimum catch threshold.

With a knack for finding the end zone, Wells racked up 42 touchdowns in just 56 games, bringing down 156 passes for 3,634 yards.

4. Art Powell (1963-1966)

Powell was a face of the Raiders before the AFL/NFL merger, and like Wells, had an incredible run with the team despite only playing four seasons in Oakland.

Over those four years, Powell averaged an outstanding 17.7 yards per catch and tallied up 50 touchdowns along with nearly 4,500 receiving yards.

His first season with the Raiders, that 1963 season, was particularly incredible, as he scored 16 touchdowns in just 14 games, a franchise record that still stands for a single season.

All that said, Powell remains second in pro football history in most receiving touchdowns per game (0.77) behind the legendary Don Hutson.

3. Cliff Branch (1972-1985)

Oakland Raiders WR Cliff Branch congratulates Fred Biletnikoff after being named game MVP against the Minnesota Vikings during Super Bowl XI at the Rose Bowl.Tony Tomsic-USA TODAY Sports

Branch, the ultimate speedster, was a lifelong Raider, spending all 14 years in Raider Nation and defining longevity for a franchise in its teen years.

His 17.3 yards per catch is elite given the massive sample size, and his explosive speed enabled him to haul in 32 touchdowns of 30-plus yards. Over a legendary career, Branch helped the Raiders win three Super Bowls and tallied nearly 8,700 receiving yards.

Branch stands third in Raiders history in career catches, receiving yards, and touchdowns, behind the two men ahead of him on this list.

2. Fred Biletnikoff (1965-1978)

Lined up on the right as the flanker opposite Branch was Biletnikoff, who countered Branch's explosive speed and athleticism with precise route running and strong hands to serve as the ideal secondary option with Branch as the primary deep ball threat.

Signed out of Florida State in the 1965 AFL draft, Biletnikoff was first noticed at the Gator Bowl by Raiders owner and coach Al Davis, who was mesmerized by Biletnikoff's play.

His legacy will forever be etched into Raiders history with his heroics in the Raiders' first-ever Super Bowl win in Super Bowl XI, making four catches for 79 yards, three of which set up Raiders touchdowns inside the 2-yard line.

For his efforts, Biletnikoff won MVP, becoming the only Super Bowl MVP to not eclipse 100 receiving yards until Cooper Kupp in Super Bowl LVI.

The one blemish on Biletnikoff's record, though, was his widespread use of stickum to pull down passes, which led to the NFL's ban on adhesive substances in 1981.

Oakland Raiders receiver Fred Biletnikoff tries to escape Atlanta Falcons defensive back John Mallory at Fulton County Stadium.Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

1. Tim Brown (1988-2003)

Known as "Mr. Raider," Brown's superstardom came as little shock to those who saw him win the Heisman Trophy at Notre Dame, where he set 19 school records and even returned two consecutive punts for touchdowns in a nationally televised game as a senior.

Being picked sixth overall in 1988, the Raiders saw a franchise cornerstone, and that's exactly what Brown ended up being, especially in conjunction with the comeback of Rich Gannon.

Spending 16 of his 17 NFL seasons in Oakland, Brown retired with nearly 1,100 receptions, a franchise record 14,934 receiving yards, 100 touchdowns, and as the franchise's most prolific punt returner. He has over 5,700 more career receiving yards than the No. 2 receiver on the franchise leaderboard (Biletnikoff).

Selected to nine Pro Bowls, Brown was honored primarily for his work as a wide receiver but also as a return specialist. That versatility and his unmatched career numbers make for an all-time legacy that defined the Raiders franchise, despite him not winning a championship during his time in Oakland.