Forty-seven 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 7, the number is 47.
Tyrone Wheatley, No. 47
Tyrone Wheatley is the pick for No. 47 because he gave the Raiders steady, physical rushing production for six seasons and was at his best when the offense needed to control games. From 1999-2004, he became a reliable early-down back and a consistent red-zone finisher.
Wheatley played 78 games for the Raiders and made 36 starts. He rushed 914 times for 3,682 yards and 32 touchdowns, then added 141 catches for 682 yards and five more scores.
Why Wheatley gets No. 47
No. 47 has a few candidates, but Wheatley separates with total production and scoring. Thirty-seven total touchdowns as a Raider is the separator for this number.
He also delivered in multiple roles. Wheatley handled heavy carries, contributed in the passing game, and stayed productive across several Raiders offenses.
Draft and background
Wheatley was born Jan. 19, 1972, in Inkster, Michigan. He played at Robichaud High School in Michigan before starring at Michigan.
The New York Giants drafted him in the first round, 17th overall, in 1995. Later, he arrived in Oakland and produced six strong seasons in Silver and Black.
Other notable No. 47s
- Kent McCloughan, 1965-1970
- Charlie Phillips, 1975-1979
- Alex Bravo, 1960-1961
Career check
Wheatley’s Raiders resume is built on scoring and volume: 3,682 rushing yards, 32 rushing touchdowns and 37 total touchdowns in six seasons. For No. 47, the best Raider is Tyrone Wheatley.
Welcome to Dice City Sports — where we provide premium, exclusive, up-to-date news and analysis surrounding the Las Vegas sports scene. Follow along on social media, and check back for new articles daily!
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.
