Raiders draft countdown: Dave Dalby is best No. 50

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Mark Hebert | Last updated Mar 4, 2026 9:54 AM ET

Fifty 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, March 4, the number is 50.

Dave Dalby, No. 50

Dave Dalby is the pick for No. 50 because he anchored the middle of the Raiders’ offensive line for more than a decade and did it on championship teams. From 1972-1985, Dalby brought toughness, continuity and leadership to an offense that helped define the franchise’s identity.

Dalby played his entire career in Silver and Black, appearing in 205 games with 135 starts. He also earned a Pro Bowl nod and was part of three Super Bowl championship teams, giving No. 50 a resume that’s hard to match.

A birthday memoriam for Raiders C Dave Dalby, October 19, 1950 – August 30, 2002.

Super Bowl champion XI, XV & XVIII, Pro Bowler pic.twitter.com/kA8jrro6l3

— AFL Godfather

Image | Source: Dice City Sports
Image | Source: Dice City Sports
Image | Source: Dice City Sports
(@NFLMAVERICK) October 19, 2024

Why Dalby gets No. 50

No. 50 has a few options, but Dalby’s combination of longevity and team success stands out. He was a fixture at center across multiple eras, keeping things steady in front of a rotating cast of backs and quarterbacks.

When you combine his career length with a Pro Bowl and three rings, Dalby is the clear choice for the best Raider to wear No. 50.

Draft and background

Dalby was born Oct. 19, 1950, in Alexandria, Minnesota. He attended La Serna High School in California and played college football at UCLA.

The Raiders drafted him in the fourth round (100th overall) of the 1972 NFL Draft, and he rewarded that investment with a long, title-filled run in the middle of their offensive line.

Riki Ellison, 1990-1992
Eric Barton, 1999-2003
Duane Benson, 1967-1971
Nicholas Morrow, 2017-2020
Jim Otto, 1960
Mike Morton, 1995-1998

Dalby’s case is built on durability, championship hardware and the kind of behind-the-scenes value centers rarely get credit for until they’re gone. For No. 50, the best Raider is Dave Dalby.

Next up tomorrow: No. 49.

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

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