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Raiders draft countdown: Lincoln Kennedy is best No. 72

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Mark Hebert | Last updated Feb 10, 2026 9:45 AM ET

Seventy-two 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 10, the number is 72.

Lincoln Kennedy, No. 72

Lincoln Kennedy is the pick for No. 72 because he was a tone-setter at right tackle during the Raiders return to contention. From 1996-2003, he gave the offense power, edge and a dependable anchor.

Kennedy played 121 games for the Raiders and started 119. That level of weekly availability is the separator for this number.

Why Kennedy gets No. 72

Kennedy paired longevity with high-end recognition. He earned three Pro Bowl selections and was a first-team All-Pro, which separates him from the rest of the No. 72 list.

He also helped define the Raiders identity up front during their early 2000s run. When the Raiders were at their best in that era, Kennedy was a core piece.

Calling the Raider Nation from our 2nd home in So Cal. Let’s get this win! #Raiders #RaiderNation https://t.co/AbaFdj4AlY pic.twitter.com/3nOKs34CJO

— Lincoln Kennedy (@LKennedy72) September 11, 2022

Draft and background

Kennedy was born Feb. 12, 1971, in York, Pa. He played at Samuel F.B. Morse High School in California before starring at Washington.

The Atlanta Falcons drafted him ninth overall in 1993. Later, he became a fixture in Silver and Black after arriving in Oakland.

Other notable No. 72s

Don Mosebar, 1983-1994
John Matuszak, 1976-1981
Donald Penn, 2014-2018
Jermaine Eluemunor, 2021-2023

Career check

There are strong names at No. 72, but Kennedy owns the best mix of starts and honors with the Raiders. With 119 starts in eight seasons, No. 72 belongs to him.

Next up tomorrow: No. 71.

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

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