On This Day in 1998: The Oakland Raiders Select Charles Woodson with the Fourth Overall Pick
On April 18, 1998, the Oakland Raiders made a franchise-defining move by selecting Michigan cornerback and reigning Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson with the fourth overall pick in the NFL Draft. This decision would not only solidify the Raiders’ defense for years to come but also mark the beginning of one of the most decorated and respected careers in NFL history.
At the time, Charles Woodson was already a household name in college football. He had just completed a historic junior season at the University of Michigan, where he played an instrumental role in leading the Wolverines to a national championship. Woodson’s versatility set him apart—he was a true three-way player who excelled as a lockdown cornerback, a punt returner, and even occasionally as a wide receiver. That season, he recorded seven interceptions, scored touchdowns on offense and special teams, and provided crucial plays in high-stakes games, including a memorable performance against Ohio State.
His exceptional 1997 campaign culminated in Woodson winning the Heisman Trophy, making him the first primarily defensive player to ever receive college football’s most prestigious individual award. His selection broke the long-standing mold of offensive dominance in Heisman voting, edging out Tennessee quarterback Peyton Manning in one of the most talked-about Heisman races of all time.
As the 1998 NFL Draft approached, scouts and analysts widely considered Woodson the best defensive prospect in the country. His rare blend of size (6’1″, 200 lbs), athleticism, instincts, and playmaking ability made him a top target for teams looking to boost their secondary. When it came time for the Raiders to make their selection at fourth overall, they did not hesitate to pick Woodson, seeing in him the potential to become a generational talent.
Joining a Raiders team looking to rebuild its defensive identity, Woodson made an immediate impact. He was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1998 after recording five interceptions and one forced fumble. His ability to cover elite receivers, combined with his knack for making game-changing plays, made him a cornerstone of the Raiders’ defense throughout the late ’90s and early 2000s.
During his first stint with Oakland (1998–2005), Woodson earned four Pro Bowl selections and three All-Pro nods. He helped lead the Raiders to the playoffs multiple times, including an appearance in Super Bowl XXXVII in the 2002 season. Although the Raiders lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in that game, Woodson’s role in getting them there was undeniable.
Despite his success, injuries and contract disputes led to his departure from Oakland in 2006. He signed with the Green Bay Packers, where he would experience a career resurgence. In Green Bay, Woodson continued to shine, earning four more Pro Bowl selections, a 2009 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award, and a Super Bowl XLV championship. His time with the Packers proved that not only was Woodson still elite, but he had also evolved into one of the smartest and most versatile defenders in the game.
In 2013, Woodson returned to Oakland for a three-season swan song. Though the Raiders were in a rebuilding phase, Woodson’s leadership and professionalism had a lasting impact on the team’s young core. Even in the twilight of his career, he was still making plays, earning Pro Bowl honors in his final two seasons before retiring in 2015.
Woodson finished his 18-year career with 65 interceptions, 13 defensive touchdowns, and countless game-changing moments. In 2021, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a fitting tribute to one of the greatest defensive backs the game has ever seen.
Reflecting on the Raiders’ 1998 decision to draft Charles Woodson, it stands out as one of the best picks in franchise history. He embodied the “Commitment to Excellence” philosophy and brought pride to the Silver and Black on and off the field. On this day in 1998, the Raiders didn’t just draft a great player—they drafted a future legend.
