5 Worst first-round picks made by the Las Vegas Raiders ft. JaMarcus Russell, Alex Leatherwood, and more

#3 - Clelin Ferrell

Las Vegas Raiders EDGE Clelin Ferrell

Most around the NFL considered it an unnecessary reach when Clelin Ferrell was selected with the fourth overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. While he had a solid college football career at Clemson, there were significant concerns about how his game would translate to the professional level. This is why he was projected as a mid-to-late draft pick.

The Raiders disagreed with how most felt about Ferrell, selecting him at the top of the draft to ensure they got what they considered an elite talent that could dominate as a pass rusher on the edge of their defense. It hasn't worked out that way, as he has recorded just eight total sacks across his first three seasons in the NFL.

#2 - Alex Leatherwood

Las Vegas Raiders OL Alex Leatherwood

Alex Leatherwood was selected with the 17th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft. The Raiders expected him to be a staple on their offensive line and protect quarterback Derek Carr for many years, but it did not work out that way.

After just one season with the organization, he failed to make it through the final roster cuts during his second year in the NFL and was cut from the team. It's highly uncommon for a first-round pick to be straight-up cut after just one year, especially one that started every game during his rookie season, which demonstrates just how bad he really was as a blocker.

#1 - JaMarcus Russell

Las Vegas Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell

JaMarcus Russell will forever go down as one of the biggest draft busts in NFL history. He was selected as the first overall pick of the 2007 NFL Draft but turned into one of the most disastrous picks of all time. He infamously feuded with the coaching staff and refused many of their wishes while also missing much of his rookie season while holding out for a larger contract before ever playing a game.

Russell threw a massive 23 interceptions in just 25 career games, proving his inability to play the quarterback position at the highest level and confirming serious concerns about his work ethic. He's one of the worst draft picks of all time by any team and one of the most epic busts in NFL history.