Raiders draft countdown: Lionel Washington is best No. 48

Forty-eight 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 6, the number is 48.

Lionel Washington, No. 48

Lionel Washington is the pick for No. 48 because he delivered long-term production in the secondary and consistently found the football. From 1987-1994, he became a reliable starter and a takeaway threat in Silver and Black.

Washington played 122 games for the Raiders and started 99. He finished with 19 interceptions for 200 yards and three touchdowns, plus two forced fumbles.

Why Washington gets No. 48

No. 48 has several candidates, but Washington separates with the combination of longevity and ball production. Nineteen interceptions over nine seasons is a strong Raiders resume, and the three touchdown returns show how often he made the biggest play after the pick.

He also handled a heavy workload in coverage. Washington’s 99 starts reflect how trusted he was in the Raiders defensive backfield.

Draft and background

Washington was born Oct. 21, 1960, in New Orleans. He played at Lutcher High School in Louisiana before starring at Tulane.

The St. Louis Cardinals drafted him in the fourth round, 103rd overall, in 1983. Later, he arrived in Oakland and built the strongest stretch of his career with the Raiders.

Other notable No. 48s

• Nemiah Wilson, 1971-1974
• Bill Budness, 1964-1970
• Kenny Hill, 1981-1983
• Charlie Rieves, 1963

Career check

Washington’s Raiders numbers hold up: 122 games, 99 starts, 19 interceptions and three pick-sixes. For No. 48, the best Raider is Lionel Washington.

Next up tomorrow: No. 47.