3 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 20, 2026, the number is 3.
Daryle Lamonica “Mad Bomber”, No. 3
Daryle Lamonica “Mad Bomber” is the pick at No. 3 because he gave the Raiders their first great quarterback identity. He pushed the ball downfield and turned Oakland into a big-play offense.
Lamonica played for the Raiders from 1967-74. In that span, “Mad Bomber” became a five-time Pro Bowl quarterback and a centerpiece of the AFL era.
Why Lamonica gets No. 3
Lamonica is the best No. 3 because his Raiders record and production still stand tall. He went 62-16-6 as the Raiders starting quarterback.
Meanwhile, he threw for 16,655 yards and 148 touchdowns in silver and black. “Mad Bomber” separated himself with wins and explosive scoring.
Draft and background
Lamonica was born July 17, 1941, in Fresno, Calif. He attended Clovis High School in California, then played at Notre Dame.
He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the 12th round (No. 168 overall) of the 1963 NFL Draft. He also was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the 24th round (No. 188 overall) of the 1963 AFL Draft.
Other notable No. 3s
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Carson Palmer, 2011-2012
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Jeff George, 1997-1998
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Rick Mirer, 2003
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Jarrett Stidham, 2022
Career check
Lamonica helped build the Raiders into a contender with a fearless passing attack. For No. 3, “Mad Bomber” is the standard.
Next up tomorrow: No. 2.
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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.
