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Raiders draft countdown: Art Shell is best No. 78

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Mark Hebert | Last updated Feb 4, 2026 10:57 AM ET

Seventy-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.

Today, February 4, the number is 78.

Art Shell, No. 78

Art Shell is the pick for No. 78 because he set the standard at tackle for the Raiders over a generation. He spent his entire playing career in Silver and Black and became one of the franchise’s defining leaders up front.

Shell played 207 games for the Raiders and started 169. His longevity and consistency at a premium position separate him from the rest of this group.

Why Shell gets No. 78

Shell was elite for a long time. He earned eight Pro Bowl selections, was a two-time All-Pro and won two Super Bowls with the Raiders.

He also stayed tied to the organization after his playing days. Shell coached the Raiders twice, first from 1989-1994 and later in 2006, which adds to his place in franchise history.

October 3, 1989

Assistant coach Art Shell accepted the position of head coach of the Los Angeles Raiders.

He became the NFL's first black head coach in the modern era.

*Fritz Pollard coached the Akron Pros in 1921. pic.twitter.com/OG8ZHjgFaJ

— AFL Godfather

Image | Source: Dice City Sports
Image | Source: Dice City Sports
Image | Source: Dice City Sports
(@NFLMAVERICK) October 3, 2025

Draft and background

Shell was born Nov. 26, 1946, in Charleston, S.C. He played at Bonds-Wilson High School in South Carolina before starring at Maryland Eastern Shore.

Then the Oakland Raiders drafted him in the third round, 80th overall, in 1968. He eventually earned a Pro Football Hall of Fame induction in 1989.

Other notable No. 78s

Justin Ellis, 2014-2018
Greg Skrepenak, 1992-1995
Frank Youso, 1963-1965

Career check

Shell built a rare resume with one franchise, first as a player and later as a coach. For No. 78, the combination of championships, honors and staying power makes this an easy call.

Next up tomorrow: No. 77.

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.

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