23 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 31, 2026, the number is 23.
Charlie Smith, No. 23
Charlie Smith is the pick at No. 23 because he gave the Raiders steady backfield production across multiple seasons. He paired a heavy rushing workload with real receiving output.
Smith played eight seasons with the Raiders from 1968-74. Over that span, he became one of the more reliable two-way backs of his era.
Why Smith gets No. 23
Smith is the best No. 23 because his Raiders rushing totals separate him at this jersey. He carried 858 times for 3,351 yards and scored 24 rushing touchdowns.
Meanwhile, he also contributed as a receiver, adding 141 catches for 1,596 yards and 10 receiving touchdowns. That balance makes him the choice.
Draft and background
Smith was born Jan. 18, 1946, in Natchez, Miss. He attended Castlemont High School in California, then played at Utah.
The Oakland Raiders drafted him in the fourth round (No. 110 overall) in 1968.
Other notable No. 23s
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Tracy Porter, 2013
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Tarell Brown, 2014
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Chris Carr, 2005-2007
Career check
Smith was a reliable option in the Raiders backfield during the late 1960s and early 1970s. For No. 23, his touchdowns and versatility stand out.
Next up tomorrow: No. 22.
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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.
