Thirty-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 17, the number is 37.
Lester Hayes, No. 37
Lester Hayes, known as “Judge,” is the pick for No. 37 because he was the face of the Raiders secondary and one of the most dominant cover corners of his era. From 1977-1986, Hayes played with an edge that matched the franchise, and he backed it with takeaways, big games, and championships.
Hayes played 149 games for the Raiders and started 134. He recorded 39 interceptions for 572 yards and four touchdowns, production that separates him at this number.
Why Hayes gets No. 37
No. 37 has solid Raiders defensive backs, but Hayes sits at the top because of peak impact. In 1980, he won NFL Defensive Player of the Year, then helped power a championship defense.
He also had a season that still stands out in league history. Hayes led the NFL with 13 interceptions in 1980, a number that explains exactly why he owns No. 37 in Las Vegas.
Draft and background
Hayes was born Jan. 22, 1955, in Houston. He played at Phillis Wheatley High School in Texas before starring at Texas A&M.
The Oakland Raiders drafted him in the fifth round, 126th overall, in 1977. He went on to spend his entire pro career in Silver and Black and became a cornerstone of two Super Bowl title teams.
Other notable No. 37s
- Alan Miller, 1961-1965
- James Trapp, 1993-1998
- Chris Johnson, 2007-2011
- Johnnie Harris, 2000-2001
Career check
Hayes delivered everything you want in this countdown: longevity, honors, championships, and game-changing production. For No. 37, the best Raider is Lester Hayes.
Next up tomorrow: No. 36.
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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.
