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Raiders draft countdown: Ronnie Lott is best No. 42

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Mark Hebert | Last updated Mar 12, 2026 9:29 AM ET

Forty-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, March 12, the number is 42.

Ronnie Lott, No. 42

Ronnie Lott, known as “Mad Dog,” is the pick for No. 42 because his Raiders run was short but still separated by Hall of Fame impact and immediate production. In 1991 and 1992, Lott brought leadership, toughness, and elite instincts to the Raiders secondary.

Lott played 32 games for the Raiders and started all 32. He grabbed nine interceptions, showing he could still change games even late in a legendary career.

Happy Birthday to former Raiders S Ronnie Lott, May 8, 1959.

*1991 Pro Bowler in the Silver & Black. pic.twitter.com/AVrBRUG2RZ

— AFL Godfather

Image | Source: Dice City Sports
Image | Source: Dice City Sports
Image | Source: Dice City Sports
(@NFLMAVERICK) May 8, 2023

Why Lott gets No. 42

No. 42 has a few solid Raiders, but Lott separates on pedigree and performance. Even in just two seasons, nine interceptions is the kind of number that jumps off the page, and his presence elevated the entire defense.

He also brought a standard. Lott was already one of the NFL’s defining defensive backs, and that edge and professionalism showed up the moment he arrived.

Draft and background

Lott was born May 8, 1959, in Albuquerque, N.M. He played at Eisenhower High School in California before starring at USC.

The San Francisco 49ers drafted him eighth overall in 1981. Later, he joined the Raiders and added a strong two-year chapter to a Hall of Fame career.

Other notable No. 42s

Bill Laskey, 1966-1970
Monte Jackson, 1978-1982
Karl Joseph, 2016-2019
Cory Littleton, 2020-2021
Tommy Maxwell, 1971-1973
Eric Turner, 1997-1998
Vance Mueller, 1986-1990

Career check

Lott did not need a long Raiders stay to claim this number. With 32 starts and nine interceptions in two seasons, plus a legacy that changed the position, No. 42 belongs to Ronnie Lott.

Next up tomorrow: No. 41.

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

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