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Raiders draft countdown: Dave Casper is best No. 87

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Mark Hebert | Last updated Jan 26, 2026 9:32 AM ET

Eighty-seven 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, January 26, the number is 87.

Dave Casper, No. 87

Dave Casper is the best Raider to wear No. 87 because his production and big plays still stand out. He played 99 games for the franchise and caught 255 passes for 3,294 yards and 35 touchdowns.

Casper, nicknamed “The Ghost,” was a matchup problem in the middle of the field. He also became part of Raiders history with his role in “Ghost to the Post” on December 24, 1977.

The Hall of Fame sends happy birthday wishes to Raiders Legend Dave Casper! The Class of 2002 member turns 73 today.

Image | Source: Dice City Sports
Image | Source: Dice City Sports
#HBD pic.twitter.com/CSDtMeWnoI
— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) February 2, 2025

Big moments and hardware

Casper’s Raiders resume includes elite honors at tight end. He was a four-time first-team All-Pro and a four-time Pro Bowl selection during his Raiders run.

He also started in Super Bowl XI when the Raiders beat the Vikings 32-14. Casper finished his career as a Hall of Famer, inducted in 2002.

Draft and background

Casper was drafted by the Raiders in the second round, 45th overall, in 1974 out of Notre Dame.

He later returned to the franchise for a final season in 1984.

Other notable No. 87s

Raymond Chester, 1970-1972
Jared Cook, 2017-2018
Charley Powell, 1960-1961
Foster Moreau, 2019-2022
Andrew Glover, 1991-1996
Michael Mayer, 2023-2025

Career check

Casper’s Raiders totals are strong, but the touchdowns are the separator. Thirty-five scores in 99 games is rare production at tight end for this franchise.

Next up tomorrow: No. 86.

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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