Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

Raiders draft countdown: Andre James is best No. 68

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Mark Hebert | Last updated Feb 14, 2026 11:06 AM ET

Sixty-eight 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.

Happy Valentines Day, the number is 68.

Andre James, No. 68

Andre James is the pick for No. 68 because he logged the longest, steadiest run at the number in the Las Vegas era. From 2019-2024, he grew into a starting center and held the job through multiple coaching staffs.

James played 89 games for the Raiders and started 60. That start total is the separator for this number.

NFL player Andre James describes the UFOs he saw when flying with the Raiders.

"And all of a sudden, this light goes up, down, and does like a circle."

"And both the pilots are like, we've flown 15 years for the military and I've never seen anything like this." pic.twitter.com/T8KOY5Ax9y

— Meta Material (@MetaStudioLogic) June 8, 2024

Why James gets No. 68

No. 68 has a short list of long-term Raiders contributors. Because of that, years in the lineup matter more than splash plays.

James also added playoff experience. He started at center in a postseason game during the 2021 season, which strengthens his case.

Draft and background

James was born May 2, 1997, in Herriman, Utah. He played at Herriman High School in Utah before starring at UCLA.

He signed with the Raiders as an undrafted free agent in 2019 out of UCLA. Then he turned that entry into a six-season run in Silver and Black.

Other notable No. 68s

Bruce Wilkerson, 1987-1994
Jared Veldheer, 2010-2013

Career check

James is not a legacy Hall of Fame name, but his Raiders resume fits this number. With 60 starts in six seasons, No. 68 belongs to him.

Next up tomorrow: No. 67.

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.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: