A few strong options here
The defense is starting to take shape on the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders 2000s All-Quarter Century Team as the first defensive tackle spot is up for grabs in today’s poll.
The Raiders have a decent history on the interior defensive line, as Warren Sapp and nose tackles Justin Ellis and Johnathan Hankins were also considered. But only three players made the final cut, so the nominees are: Roderick Coleman, Tommy Kelly and Richard Seymour.
Like defensive end and wide receiver, we’ll be doing two defensive tackle polls, including this one. So, the two losers here will get a second chance to earn a spot on the All-Quarter Century Team.
Roderick Coleman
Raiders Stats (2000-2003): 156 tackles, 40 TFLs, 28.5 sacks (4 seasons, 57 games)
Accolades: none
Coleman had an interesting tenure with the Silver and Black. He was a fifth-round pick in 1999 but barely saw the field as a rookie, and he only made 21 starts in four years during the 2000s. However, Coleman had impressive production during his time in Oakland, eclipsing double-digit sacks (11) and TFLs (13) as a rotational player in ‘02. As a result, he ranks 23rd in franchise history for sacks and fifth in TFLs*. The defensive tackle was also a part of three playoff teams from 2000 to 2002, adding 3.5 sacks and six TFLs in seven games with two starts during the postseason.
Tommy Kelly
Raiders Stats: 423 tackles, 34.5 sacks, 45 TFLs (9 seasons, 129 games)
Accolades: none
Like many other players featured in the All-2000s series, Kelly falls into the category of being a good player on a lot of bad teams. While he never played in a playoff game for the Raiders, he trails only Maxx Crosby and Khalil Mack for the most TFLs* in franchise history, making Kelly the leader among defensive tackles. Additionally, he ranks 18th in sacks. The 2004 undrafted free agent is one of the Silver and Black’s best players from a dark period for the organization.
Richard Seymour
Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
Raiders Stats: 139 tackles, 18.5 sacks, 27 TFLs (4 seasons, 53 games)
Accolades: 2x Pro Bowler (2010, 2011), Second-Team All-Pro (2011), Pro Football Hall of Fame
Teammates with Kelly from 2009 to 2012, Seymour was also a good player on a lot of bad teams. The former Patriot spent the majority of his career and had his best years in New England, playing with the Raiders at the end of his tenure in the NFL. But Seymour was a fantastic leader and had several productive seasons in Oakland, ranking tied for 12th for the most TFLs* in franchise history. Additionally, he is part of Tom Brady’s investment group and became one of the organization’s minority owners last year, while also serving as an advisor and ambassador for the Raiders.
*TFLs didn’t become an official NFL statistic until 1999.
So, which defensive lineman are you going with for the first defensive tackle spot on the Raiders’ 2000s All-Quarter Century Team?
Vote in the poll below and sound off in the comments section with your reasoning. If you don’t have a commenting account already, you’ll need to create one but the steps are pretty easy and it’s a seamless process. Also, we have full-time moderators to enforce the Community Guidelines. Sign up and go to the comments section.