The 2015 NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, April 30th in Chicago at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University, and for the fourth time in franchise history the Raiders hold the fourth overall pick.
With the draft now less than three months away, let's take a look at the previous players the Raiders have selected at No. 4.
Joe Rutgens – 1961
After an impressive collegiate career at the University of Illinois, where he was named an All-American in 1960 and a first-team All-Big Ten selection by the Associated Press in 1959 and 1960, Rutgens was drafted by the Oakland Raiders with the fourth overall pick in the 1961 American Football League Draft.
In addition to his selection by the Silver and Black, Rutgens was also the third overall selection in the National Football League Draft that same year by the Washington Redskins.
Rutgens ultimately decided to play for the Redskins, and during his nine-year NFL career he played in 110 games and made two Pro Bowls (1963, 1965).
Charles Woodson – 1998
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**With the fourth overall pick in the 1998 NFL draft, the Oakland Raiders selected arguably the greatest defensive back in league history, Charles Woodson.
The Michigan Wolverine was coming off a Heisman Trophy win, defeating Ryan Leaf, Peyton Manning and Randy Moss to become the first predominantly defensive player to win the award when the Raiders selected him with their first-round draft choice.
During his two stints in the Silver and Black, Woodson has tallied 22 interceptions, which ties him for 10th in franchise history.
At 38 years old, Woodson is set to begin his 18th season in the NFL, and his 11th with the Raiders. In 2014, he started all 16 games for the Silver and Black, leading the team with 160 tackles (105 solo) and four interceptions. He also added nine passes defensed, one fumble recovery and one sack.
For his career, the future Hall of Famer has tallied 60 interceptions, and after a Week 12 sack, he became the first player in NFL history to record 50 interceptions and 20 sacks.
Darren McFadden – 2008
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**The last time the Raiders had the fourth overall pick was in 2008, and with that pick they selected Arkansas RB Darren McFadden.
Before becoming a Raider, McFadden enjoyed a decorated college career with the Razorbacks, winning the Doak Walker award in 2006 and 2007, as well as the 2007 Walter Camp Award. He also finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting in both 2006 and 2007.
2014 marked McFadden's seventh season in Oakland, and throughout his career as a Raider the running back has written himself into team history.
After his 155 rushing attempts for 534 yards in 2014, McFadden is now in sole position of sixth place on the franchise's career rushing leaders list.
As a Raider, McFadden has played in 83 games, rushing for 4,242 yards and 25 TDs.
