Forty-five 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 9, the number is 45.
Marcel Reece, No. 45
Marcel Reece is the pick for No. 45 because he was one of the most unique offensive weapons of the Raiders modern era. From 2009-2015, he lined up everywhere, produced as a receiver and runner, and consistently gave the offense a matchup problem out of the backfield.
Reece played 92 games for the Raiders and made 67 starts. He finished with 205 catches for 2,015 yards and 12 receiving touchdowns, then added 183 rushing attempts for 844 yards and three more scores.
Why Reece gets No. 45
No. 45 has a short list, and Reece separates with versatility and production. He was not just a fullback, he was an offensive piece who could carry the ball, flex out wide, and convert key downs.
The separator is 2,859 scrimmage yards and 15 total touchdowns in Silver and Black.
Draft and background
Reece was born June 23, 1985, in Los Angeles County. He played at Hesperia High School in California before starring at Washington.
He entered the NFL and became a long-term Raider, earning three Pro Bowl selections in his career while carving out a rare role in the offense.
Other notable No. 45s
- Dave Grayson, 1965-1970
- Mike Harden, 1989-1990
- James Davis, 1982-1987
Career check
Reece’s Raiders resume is about production and flexibility, the kind that kept him valuable through coaching changes and roster turnover. For No. 45, the best Raider is Marcel Reece.
Next up tomorrow: No. 44.
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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.
