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Raiders draft countdown: Ted Hendricks is best No. 83

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Mark Hebert | Last updated Jan 30, 2026 9:56 AM ET

Eighty-three 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, January 30, the number is 83.

Ted Hendricks, No. 83

Ted Hendricks, known as “The Mad Stork,” is the pick for No. 83 because he was a game-changing force in Silver and Black. From 1975-1983, he gave the Raiders size, range and chaos off the edge.

Hendricks played 131 games for the Raiders and started 122. He finished with 42.0 sacks, plus 10 interceptions for 111 yards and a touchdown.

Why “The Mad Stork” gets No. 83

The production is only part of it. Hendricks also made the kind of plays that swung games, then he did it for years.

His Raiders run included championship results. He was part of two Super Bowl title teams in Silver and Black, which adds weight to his case at No. 83.

Who remembers Raiders Ted Hendricks

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(@raiders1022) June 2, 2025

Draft and background

Hendricks was born Nov. 1, 1947, in Guatemala City, Guatemala. He played at Miami before the Baltimore Colts drafted him in the second round in 1969.

Later, his full career earned Hall of Fame status. He was inducted in 1990.

Other notable No. 83s

Ben Davidson, 1964-1971
Willie Gault, 1988-1993
Darren Waller, 2018-2022
Rickey Dudley, 1996-2000
Brandon Myers, 2009-2012

Career check

Hendricks set the standard for No. 83 with longevity, sacks and takeaways. When you add the rings, “The Mad Stork” is the clear choice.

Next up tomorrow: No. 82.

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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