Raiders draft countdown: Howie Long is best No. 75

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Mark Hebert | Last updated Feb 7, 2026 10:22 AM ET

Seventy-five 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 7, the number is 75.

Howie Long, No. 75

Howie Long, nicknamed “Caveman,” is the pick for No. 75 because he was the Raiders defensive standard of the 1980s. He brought power, skill and a weekly edge that offenses had to account for.

Long played 179 games for the Raiders and started 151. He finished with 91.5 sacks and added impact plays across the front, including two interceptions.

The separator is 91.5 sacks in Silver and Black.

Why “Caveman” gets No. 75

Long paired production with hardware. He was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, a two-time All-Pro and a Super Bowl champion with the Raiders.

He also defined a position group. When you talk about Raiders defensive linemen, Long is one of the names that sets the bar, which makes this number an easy call.

Forty years ago today, some called our second-round pick from Villanova a reach.

And then Howie Long got to work. pic.twitter.com/0G299plSIV

— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) April 28, 2021

Draft and background

Long was born Jan. 6, 1960, in Somerville, Massachusetts. He played at Milford High School in Massachusetts before starring at Villanova.

Then the Oakland Raiders drafted him in the second round, 48th overall, in 1981. Later, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2000.

Other notable No. 75s

John Vella, 1972-1979
Brandon Parker, 2018-2023
Ken Rice, 1964-1965
Mario Henderson, 2007-2010
Chris Cooper, 2001-2003
Jack Stone, 1961-1962

Career check

Long gave the Raiders 13 seasons of elite defensive line play. With 91.5 sacks, a title and a Hall of Fame career, No. 75 belongs to him.

Next up tomorrow: No. 74.

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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