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Raiders draft countdown: T.J. Carrie is best No. 38

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Mark Hebert | Last updated Mar 16, 2026 9:17 AM ET

Thirty-eight 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 16, the number is 38.

T.J. Carrie, No. 38

T.J. Carrie is the pick for No. 38 because he delivered four steady seasons as a versatile defensive back and special teams contributor during a transitional stretch for the Raiders. From 2014-2017, he played both outside and in the slot, then held up in coverage when injuries and matchups demanded it.

Carrie played 60 games for the Raiders and made 37 starts. He recorded three interceptions, 31 passes defended, and showed reliable tackling and positioning in the secondary.

Safety or corner for TJ Carrie?

"It’s always whatever for the team. It's exciting, man." https://t.co/94inzXYXwF pic.twitter.com/9hedBCS9p5

— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) February 10, 2016

Why Carrie gets No. 38

No. 38 has a short list of Raiders defensive backs with meaningful starts, and Carrie separates with workload and versatility. Thirty-seven starts in four seasons is the separator for this number.

He also outperformed his draft slot. Carrie arrived as a seventh-round pick, then earned a real role and stayed in the mix for multiple coaching staffs.

Draft and background

Carrie was born July 28, 1990, in Antioch, Calif. He played at De La Salle High School in California before playing at Ohio.

The Oakland Raiders drafted him in the seventh round, 219th overall, in 2014. He developed quickly and became a regular starter in the Raiders secondary.