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Raiders draft countdown: Marv Hubbard is best No. 44

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Mark Hebert | Last updated Mar 10, 2026 10:27 AM ET

Forty-four 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 10, the number is 44.

Marv Hubbard, No. 44

Marv Hubbard is the pick for No. 44 because he delivered high-efficiency production as a physical runner during the Raiders rise in the early 1970s. From 1970-1975, he was a reliable back who consistently created chunk gains and kept the offense on schedule.

Hubbard played 90 games for the Raiders and made 58 starts. He rushed 913 times for 4,394 yards and 22 touchdowns, averaging 4.8 yards per carry.

A birthday memoriam for Raiders RB Marv Hubbard, May 7, 1946 – May 4, 2015.

3x Pro-Bowler.

A Kansas City Chief nemesis. pic.twitter.com/1xzIhCpNz4

— AFL Godfather

Image | Source: Dice City Sports
Image | Source: Dice City Sports
Image | Source: Dice City Sports
(@NFLMAVERICK) May 7, 2024

Why Hubbard gets No. 44

No. 44 has a few names, but Hubbard separates with sustained rushing production and elite efficiency for his era. A 4.8 yards-per-carry average over that workload is the separator for this number.

He also stacked recognition. Hubbard made three Pro Bowls, reflecting how he was viewed leaguewide during his Raiders run.

Draft and background

Hubbard was born May 7, 1946, in Salamanca, New York. He played at Randolph High School in New York before starring at Colgate.

The Oakland Raiders drafted him in the 11th round, 277th overall, in 1968. He turned that late-round slot into a key role in Silver and Black.

Other notable No. 44s

Bob Dougherty, 1960-1963
Burgess Owens, 1980-1982
Nick Kwiatkoski, 2020-2021
Stefon Adams, 1986-1989
K’Lavon Chaisson, 2024
Tom Rathman, 1994

Career check

Hubbard’s Raiders resume holds up on volume and efficiency: 4,394 rushing yards, 22 rushing touchdowns, and a 4.8 average across six seasons. For No. 44, the best Raider is Marv Hubbard.

Next up tomorrow: No. 43.

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

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