30 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 24, 2026, the number is 30.
Mark van Eeghen, No. 30
Mark van Eeghen gave the Raiders steady, punishing runs during their rise in the 1970s. He was a tone-setter in an offense that played from ahead.
From 1974-81, van Eeghen handled the tough yards and kept drives on schedule. He also helped deliver two Super Bowl titles and earned one Pro Bowl nod.
Why van Eeghen gets No. 30
Van Eeghen is the best No. 30 because his Raiders production still stands out. He rushed for 5,907 yards and 35 touchdowns in eight seasons with the team.
He also showed up when it mattered most in a championship window. That combination of volume and winning impact separates him at this number.
Draft and background
Van Eeghen was born April 19, 1952, in Cambridge, Mass. He attended Cranston West High School in Rhode Island, then played at Colgate.
The Oakland Raiders drafted him in the third round (No. 75 overall) in 1974.
Other notable No. 30s
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Jalen Richard, 2016-2021
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Stacey Toran, 1984-1988
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Stuart Schweigert, 2004-2007
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Roger Hagberg, 1965-1969
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Anthony Newman, 1998-1999
Career check
Van Eeghen remains one of the most productive backs of the Raiders’ championship era. For No. 30, his eight-year run sets the standard.
Next up tomorrow: No. 29.
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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.
