Thirty-four 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 20, the number is 34.
Gus Otto, No. 34
Gus Otto is the pick for No. 34 because he was a steady, long-term linebacker during the Raiders early winning years. From 1965-1972, he gave the defense reliability, toughness, and a consistent presence in the middle.
Otto played 102 games for the Raiders and spent his entire pro career in Silver and Black. He also earned a Pro Bowl selection and helped the Raiders win an AFL championship.
Why Otto gets No. 34
No. 34 has big-name skill players, but Otto separates with a full Raiders career and championship-era value on defense. He was not a headline player, however he was part of the foundation.
The separator is eight seasons with one franchise, plus a Pro Bowl and an AFL title.
Draft and background
Otto was born Dec. 8, 1943, in St. Louis. He played at McBride High School in Missouri before starring at Missouri.
The Oakland Raiders drafted him in the fourth round, 27th overall, of the 1965 AFL Draft. He went on to play eight seasons, all with the Raiders.
Other notable No. 34s
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Bo Jackson, 1987-1990
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LaMont Jordan, 2005-2007
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Derrick Fenner, 1995-1997
Career check
Otto may not have the flash, but his Raiders resume is complete: 102 games, a Pro Bowl season, and an AFL championship. For No. 34, the best Raider is Gus Otto.
Next up tomorrow: No. 33.
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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.
