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Raiders draft countdown: Fred Biletnikoff is best No. 25 in team history

With 25 days left until the 2026 NFL Draft, the Raiders draft countdown names Fred Biletnikoff as the best No. 25. The Hall of Famer scored 76 TDs.

File photo: Oakland Raiders receiver Fred Biletnikoff tries to escape a tackle by Atlanta Falcons defensive back Ken Reaves at Fulton County Stadium.
File photo: Dec. 5, 1971, Atlanta, Ga., USA, Oakland Raiders receiver Fred Biletnikoff (25) tries to escape Atlanta Falcons defensive back Ken Reaves (36) at Fulton County Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-Imagn Images

25 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 29, 2026, the number is 25.

Fred Biletnikoff, No. 25

Fred Biletnikoff set the standard for Raiders receivers and still defines No. 25 in franchise history. He was a chain mover with elite hands and rare body control.

Biletnikoff spent 14 seasons with the Raiders from 1967-78. Along the way, he became a Hall of Famer and one of the most decorated players the team has produced.

Why Biletnikoff gets No. 25

Biletnikoff is the best No. 25 because the numbers and honors are unmatched at this jersey. He caught 589 passes for 8,974 yards and 76 touchdowns.

He also delivered in the biggest spot, earning Super Bowl XI MVP honors. That championship impact seals the choice.

Draft and background

Biletnikoff was born February 23, 1943, in Erie, Pa. He attended Erie Tech High School in Pennsylvania, then played at Florida State.

He was drafted by the Oakland Raiders in the second round (No. 11 overall) of the 1965 AFL Draft. He also was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round (No. 39 overall) of the 1965 NFL Draft.

Other notable No. 25s

  • Charlie Garner, 2001-2003

  • Justin Fargas, 2006-2009

  • Tre’von Moehrig, 2021-2023

  • Erik Harris, 2018-2020

  • Dan Land, 1989-1997

  • D.J. Hayden, 2013-2016

Career check

Biletnikoff remains one of the greatest players in Raiders history, regardless of position. For No. 25, there is no debate.

Next up tomorrow: No. 24.

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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.

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