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Raiders draft countdown: Tyrone Wheatley is best No. 47

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Mark Hebert | Last updated Mar 7, 2026 10:49 AM ET

Forty-seven 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 7, the number is 47.

Tyrone Wheatley, No. 47

Tyrone Wheatley is the pick for No. 47 because he gave the Raiders steady, physical rushing production for six seasons and was at his best when the offense needed to control games. From 1999-2004, he became a reliable early-down back and a consistent red-zone finisher.

Wheatley played 78 games for the Raiders and made 36 starts. He rushed 914 times for 3,682 yards and 32 touchdowns, then added 141 catches for 682 yards and five more scores.

Happy birthday to former Raiders RB Tyrone Wheatley, January 19, 1972. pic.twitter.com/hzqaKyB1mj

— AFL Godfather

Image | Source: Dice City Sports
Image | Source: Dice City Sports
Image | Source: Dice City Sports
(@NFLMAVERICK) January 19, 2024

Why Wheatley gets No. 47

No. 47 has a few candidates, but Wheatley separates with total production and scoring. Thirty-seven total touchdowns as a Raider is the separator for this number.

He also delivered in multiple roles. Wheatley handled heavy carries, contributed in the passing game, and stayed productive across several Raiders offenses.

Draft and background

Wheatley was born Jan. 19, 1972, in Inkster, Michigan. He played at Robichaud High School in Michigan before starring at Michigan.

The New York Giants drafted him in the first round, 17th overall, in 1995. Later, he arrived in Oakland and produced six strong seasons in Silver and Black.

Other notable No. 47s

Kent McCloughan, 1965-1970
Charlie Phillips, 1975-1979
Alex Bravo, 1960-1961

Career check

Wheatley’s Raiders resume is built on scoring and volume: 3,682 rushing yards, 32 rushing touchdowns and 37 total touchdowns in six seasons. For No. 47, the best Raider is Tyrone Wheatley.

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

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