21 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 2, 2026, the number is 21.
Cliff Branch, No. 21
Cliff Branch is the pick at No. 21 because he changed games with speed and scoring. He was a signature piece of the Raiders passing attack for more than a decade.
Branch spent his entire Raiders career from 1972-85. In that span, he helped win three Super Bowls and built a Hall of Fame resume.
Why Branch gets No. 21
Branch is the best No. 21 because his production comes with big-play efficiency. He caught 501 passes for 8,685 yards, an average of 17.3 per catch, and scored 67 touchdowns.
Meanwhile, he delivered in the biggest moments on the league’s biggest stage. That combination of explosive numbers and championship impact separates him from the rest.
Draft and background
Branch was born Aug. 1, 1948, in Houston, Texas. He attended Worthing High School in Texas, then played at Colorado.
The Oakland Raiders drafted him in the fourth round (No. 98 overall) in 1972.
Other notable No. 21s
-
Nnamdi Asomugha, 2003-2010
-
Eric Allen, 1998-2001
-
Rodger Bird, 1966-1968
Career check
Branch remains one of the most dangerous deep threats in Raiders history. For No. 21, his touchdowns and rings make it clear.
Next up tomorrow: No. 20.
Welcome to Dice City Sports — where we provide premium, exclusive, up-to-date news and analysis surrounding the Las Vegas sports scene. Follow along on social media, and check back for new articles daily!
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.
