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Raiders draft countdown: Raymond Chester is best No. 88

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Mark Hebert | Last updated Jan 25, 2026 9:49 AM ET

Eighty-eight days remain until the 2026 NFL Draft in Pittsburgh, Pa., April 23-25, 2026. The Raiders went 3-14 in 2025 and hold the No. 1 overall pick as this daily countdown continues through the franchise’s best players by jersey number.

Raymond Chester, No. 88

Raymond Chester delivered steady production during his time with the Raiders, adding veteran reliability to a contending roster. He played for the franchise from 1978-1981 and remained an important part of the offense throughout that stretch.

Chester appeared in 103 games for the Raiders and caught 185 passes for 2,891 yards and 37 touchdowns. He averaged 13.4 yards per reception and consistently produced in scoring situations, even late in his career.

His experience mattered in high-leverage moments. Chester was part of a Super Bowl championship team and provided proven depth and red-zone efficiency during the Raiders’ late-1970s and early-1980s run.

Chester earns No. 88 based on his 37 Raiders touchdowns and sustained production at tight end.

He never forgot a Mother's Day

Image | Source: Dice City Sports
Image | Source: Dice City Sports

Raymond Chester keeps Willie Brown's tradition alive. pic.twitter.com/MXHPoFSWAa

— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) April 29, 2023

Draft and background

Raymond Thomas Chester was born June 28, 1948, in Cambridge, Md. He played college football at Morgan State and was selected by the Oakland Raiders in the first round, 24th overall, of the 1970 NFL Draft.

Other notable No. 88s

Ethan Horton, 1989-1993
Jon Jelacic, 1961-1964
Bob Moore, 1971-1975
Doug Jolley, 2002-2004
Clive Walford, 2015-2017
Rod Barksdale, 1986
Marcell Ateman, 2018-2021

Career check

Chester played 172 NFL games and finished his career with 364 receptions for 5,013 yards and 48 touchdowns. He earned four Pro Bowl selections and closed his career as one of the most productive tight ends of his era.

Next up tomorrow: No. 87.

Dice City Sports editor Mark Hebert covers the Vegas Golden Knights, Las Vegas Raiders, Athletics, and UNLV baseball and softball. He has 24 years of journalism experience, is also a senior reporter at Exhibit City News, and previously covered the Dallas Stars and Texas Rangers. Follow him on X or connect on LinkedIn.

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

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