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Raiders draft countdown: Pete Banaszak is best No. 40

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Mark Hebert | Last updated Mar 14, 2026 10:02 AM ET

Forty 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 14, the number is 40.

Pete Banaszak, No. 40

Pete Banaszak is the pick for No. 40 because he delivered long-term value as a dependable runner during the Raiders rise from the AFL into a championship-level franchise. From 1966-1978, Banaszak was a steady back who handled volume, converted tough yards, and stayed productive across multiple eras of Raiders football.

Banaszak played 173 games for the Raiders and rushed 964 times for 3,772 yards and 47 touchdowns. That touchdown total is the separator for this number.

"Well, guess what? After that moment, I was ready."

Raider great Pete Banaszak shares the story of how Coach John Rauch fired him up before a Thanksgiving Day showdown with the AFL-rival Chiefs. pic.twitter.com/kaBQeFXSgh

— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) August 10, 2019

Why Banaszak gets No. 40

No. 40 has a few candidates, but Banaszak separates with longevity and scoring production. He spent his entire career with the Raiders, and 47 rushing touchdowns over that span is a rare franchise contribution.

He also has championship value. Banaszak was part of both an AFL title team and a Super Bowl championship team, which strengthens his case.

Draft and background

Banaszak was born May 21, 1944, in Crivitz, Wisconsin. He played at Crivitz High School in Wisconsin before starring at Miami.

The Oakland Raiders drafted him in the fifth round, 59th overall, of the 1966 AFL Draft. He went on to spend his entire pro career in Silver and Black.