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Raiders draft countdown: Darren McFadden is best No. 20 in team history
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Raiders draft countdown: Darren McFadden is best No. 20 in team history

Originally posted on Dice City Sports  |  By Mark Hebert  |  Last updated Apr 3, 2026 9:11 AM ET

20 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 3, 2026, the number is 20.

Darren McFadden, No. 20

Darren McFadden is the pick at No. 20 because he carried the Raiders offense through multiple seasons. He brought big-play ability and weekly workload in a tough era for the franchise.

From 2008-14, McFadden gave Oakland a rare homegrown star at running back. When he was healthy, he was the focal point.

Why McFadden gets No. 20

McFadden is the best No. 20 because his Raiders production leads this jersey group. He rushed for 4,247 yards and 25 touchdowns in seven seasons with the team.

Meanwhile, he added value as a receiver, totaling 211 catches for 1,769 yards and five receiving touchdowns. That all-around output separates him from the other options.

Draft and background

McFadden was born Aug. 27, 1987, in North Little Rock, Ark. He attended Oak Grove High School in Arkansas, then played at Arkansas.

The Oakland Raiders drafted him in the first round (No. 4 overall) in 2008.

Other notable No. 20s

  • Warren Powers, 1963-1968

  • Isaiah Pola-Mao, 2022-2025

  • Jimmy Warren, 1970-1974

  • Derrick Hoskins, 1992-1995

  • Ted Watts, 1982-1984

Career check

McFadden did not get the team success his talent deserved in Oakland. Still, for No. 20, his production and versatility make him the choice.

Next up tomorrow: No. 19.

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

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