Raiders draft countdown: Lester Hayes is best No. 37

Thirty-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, March 17, the number is 37.

Lester Hayes, No. 37

Lester Hayes, known as “Judge,” is the pick for No. 37 because he was the face of the Raiders secondary and one of the most dominant cover corners of his era. From 1977-1986, Hayes played with an edge that matched the franchise, and he backed it with takeaways, big games, and championships.

Hayes played 149 games for the Raiders and started 134. He recorded 39 interceptions for 572 yards and four touchdowns, production that separates him at this number.

Why Hayes gets No. 37

No. 37 has solid Raiders defensive backs, but Hayes sits at the top because of peak impact. In 1980, he won NFL Defensive Player of the Year, then helped power a championship defense.

He also had a season that still stands out in league history. Hayes led the NFL with 13 interceptions in 1980, a number that explains exactly why he owns No. 37 in Las Vegas.