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Raiders draft countdown: Terry McDaniel is best No. 36

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Mark Hebert | Last updated Mar 18, 2026 9:06 AM ET

Thirty-six 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 18, the number is 36.

Terry McDaniel, No. 36

Terry McDaniel is the pick for No. 36 because he was a true shutdown corner for a full decade in Silver and Black. From 1988-1997, he traveled with top receivers, played with elite competitiveness, and consistently took the ball away.

McDaniel played 143 games for the Raiders and started 137. He recorded 34 interceptions for 624 yards and five touchdowns, production that separates him for this number.

Why McDaniel gets No. 36

No. 36 has strong names, but McDaniel sits at the top because he combined longevity with elite ball production. Thirty-four interceptions in a Raiders uniform is the separator, and he backed it with five pick-sixes.

He also earned leaguewide recognition. McDaniel made five Pro Bowls, reflecting how he was viewed across the NFL during his prime years with the Raiders.

OTD 1993 #ProBowl MVP @SteveTasker89 blocks a FG attempt that Terry McDaniel takes to the end zone.#BillsMafia #Bills #Raiders
pic.twitter.com/jxTe0QhcpU

— Old Time Football

Image | Source: Dice City Sports
(@Ol_TimeFootball) February 8, 2026

Draft and background

McDaniel was born Feb. 8, 1965, in Saginaw, Michigan. He played at Saginaw High School in Michigan before starring at Tennessee.

The Los Angeles Raiders drafted him ninth overall in 1988. He immediately became a cornerstone of the secondary and stayed a fixture for 10 seasons.

Other notable No. 36s

Clem Daniels, 1962-1967
Mike Davis, 1978-1985
Derrick Gibson, 2002-2006

Career check

McDaniel’s Raiders resume is complete: 10 seasons, 137 starts, 34 interceptions, five defensive touchdowns, and Pro Bowl recognition. For No. 36, the best Raider is Terry McDaniel.

Next up tomorrow: No. 35.

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

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