19 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 4, 2026, the number is 19.
Cotton Davidson, No. 19
Cotton Davidson is the pick at No. 19 because he was a foundational quarterback in the Raiders early AFL years. He gave the franchise stability at a time when it was still building an identity.
Davidson played for the Raiders from 1962-68. In that span, he helped the team reach the top of the AFL and later became a two-time Pro Bowl quarterback.
Why Davidson gets No. 19
Davidson is the best No. 19 because his role and longevity with the early Raiders separate him from this jersey group. He started 28 games for Oakland and went 8-19-1 as the team’s quarterback.
Meanwhile, he produced 6,532 passing yards with the Raiders and threw 41 touchdown passes. For this number, his impact comes from being the original long-term option.
Draft and background
Davidson was born Nov. 30, 1931, in Gatesville, Texas. He attended Gatesville High School in Texas, then played at Baylor.
He was drafted by the Baltimore Colts in the first round (No. 5 overall) of the 1954 NFL Draft.
Other notable No. 19s
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Vincent Brown, 2014
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Brice Butler, 2013
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Brandon LaFell, 2018
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DJ Turner, 2022-2025
Career check
Davidson helped carry the Raiders through their early years as a franchise. For No. 19, the quarterback history and six-season run make him the pick.
Next up tomorrow: No. 18.
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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.
