Fifty days remain until the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, Pa., April 23-25, 2026. After a 3-14 season in 2025, the Las Vegas Raiders hold the No. 1 overall pick as this daily countdown continues through the franchise’s best players by jersey number.
Today, March 4, the number is 50.
Dave Dalby, No. 50
Dave Dalby is the pick for No. 50 because he anchored the middle of the Raiders’ offensive line for more than a decade and did it on championship teams. From 1972-1985, Dalby brought toughness, continuity and leadership to an offense that helped define the franchise’s identity.
Dalby played his entire career in Silver and Black, appearing in 205 games with 135 starts. He also earned a Pro Bowl nod and was part of three Super Bowl championship teams, giving No. 50 a resume that’s hard to match.
Why Dalby gets No. 50
No. 50 has a few options, but Dalby’s combination of longevity and team success stands out. He was a fixture at center across multiple eras, keeping things steady in front of a rotating cast of backs and quarterbacks.
When you combine his career length with a Pro Bowl and three rings, Dalby is the clear choice for the best Raider to wear No. 50.
Draft and background
Dalby was born Oct. 19, 1950, in Alexandria, Minnesota. He attended La Serna High School in California and played college football at UCLA.
The Raiders drafted him in the fourth round (100th overall) of the 1972 NFL Draft, and he rewarded that investment with a long, title-filled run in the middle of their offensive line.
- Riki Ellison, 1990-1992
- Eric Barton, 1999-2003
- Duane Benson, 1967-1971
- Nicholas Morrow, 2017-2020
- Jim Otto, 1960
- Mike Morton, 1995-1998
Dalby’s case is built on durability, championship hardware and the kind of behind-the-scenes value centers rarely get credit for until they’re gone. For No. 50, the best Raider is Dave Dalby.
Next up tomorrow: No. 49.
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Dice City Sports editor Mark Hebert covers the Vegas Golden Knights, Las Vegas Raiders, Athletics, and UNLV baseball and softball. He has 24 years of journalism experience, is also a senior reporter at Exhibit City News, and previously covered the Dallas Stars and Texas Rangers. Follow him on X or connect on LinkedIn.
