Greg Townsend
LOS ANGELES - NOVEMBER 13: Defensive end Greg Townsend #93 of the Los Angeles Raiders tackles Quarterback John Elway #7 of the Denver Broncos during the game at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 13, 1983 in Los Angeles, California. The Raiders won 22-20. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)

Hidden gem; Raiders should look at 1983 draft for roadmap to defensive dominance this season

Raiders rookie, Greg Townsend, was a Hidden Gem

From Ben Davidson to Otis Sistrunk to Howie Long, the Raiders have a history of prolific pass rushers. 

Maxx Crosby has started to join the list and next month, the Raiders should look to add a new one to pair with Crosby. 

Forty years ago this season, the Raiders added an underrated talent whose accomplishments have been overlooked.  

Greg Townsend was drafted in Fourth Round of the 1983 draft. 

On a line that also featured Long, the rookie made an immediate impact with 10.5 sacks, helping lead the Raiders to a victory in Super Bowl XVIII.

Townsend recorded a sack in the victory over Washington.  

Townsend was a Pro Bowler in 1990 and 1991 for the then Los Angeles Raiders. 

He played one year with the Philadelphia Eagles and after retiring in 1994, returned to the Raiders in 1997. 

He is the Raiders All-time leader in career sacks with 107.5.

In 2023, the Raiders hope to create a dominant defensive line similar to one that won the Super Bowl 40 years ago. 

Finding a player similar to Townsend maybe a start in the right direction.