22 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, April 1, 2026, the number is 22.
Mike Haynes, No. 22
Mike Haynes is the pick at No. 22 because he brought Hall of Fame coverage to the Raiders in the 1980s. He helped stabilize the secondary during a championship era.
Haynes played for the Raiders from 1983-89. During that stretch, he delivered elite shutdown play and helped the franchise win a Super Bowl.
Why Haynes gets No. 22
Haynes is the best No. 22 because his Raiders tenure combined production and reputation. He recorded 28 interceptions in 90 games with the Raiders.
Meanwhile, his overall resume is as strong as anyone to wear this number, including nine Pro Bowls and a Hall of Fame career. That blend of peak play and lasting impact makes him the choice.
Draft and background
Haynes was born July 1, 1953, in Denison, Texas. He attended John Marshall High School in California, then played at Arizona State.
He was drafted by the New England Patriots in the first round (No. 5 overall) of the 1976 NFL Draft.
Other notable No. 22s
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Harvey Williams, 1994-1998
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Arthur Whittington, 1978-1981
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Larry Todd, 1965-1970
Career check
Haynes gave the Raiders a true shutdown corner in the 1980s. For No. 22, his Hall of Fame standard makes the call.
Next up tomorrow: No. 21.
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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.
