Forty-nine 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 5, the number is 49.
Mike Siani, No. 49
Mike Siani is the pick for No. 49 because he gave the Raiders legitimate receiving production during a championship-era stretch. From 1972-1977, he provided a downfield threat and steady contribution in an offense that leaned on balance and timing.
Siani played 74 games for the Raiders and made 32 starts. He caught 128 passes for 2,079 yards and 13 touchdowns, averaging 16.2 yards per catch.
Why Siani gets No. 49
No. 49 does not have a deep list of long-term offensive contributors, so production matters here. Siani has the clearest Raiders receiving resume at the number, and he delivered chunk plays in an era that did not inflate passing stats.
He also has championship value. Siani was part of a Super Bowl title team, which adds weight to his case.
Draft and background
Siani was born May 27, 1950, in Staten Island, New York. He played at New Dorp High School in New York before starring at Villanova.
The Oakland Raiders drafted him in the first round, 21st overall, in 1972. He went on to spend six seasons in Silver and Black.
Other notable No. 49s
- Jackie Simpson, 1962-1963
- Charles Snowden, 2024-2025
- Marquez Pope, 2000
- Jamize Olawale, 2012-2017
Career check
Siani’s Raiders case is built on real receiving output and big-play efficiency, plus a ring. For No. 49, the best Raider is Mike Siani.
Next up tomorrow: No. 48.
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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.
