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Raiders draft countdown: Vann McElroy is best No. 26 in team history
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Raiders draft countdown: Vann McElroy is best No. 26 in team history

Originally posted on Dice City Sports  |  By Mark Hebert  |  Last updated Mar 28, 2026 10:17 AM ET

26 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 28, 2026, the number is 26.

Vann McElroy, No. 26

Vann McElroy is the pick at No. 26 because he was a long-term starter in the secondary during an important Raiders era. He brought ball production and durability for nearly a decade.

McElroy played nine seasons with the Raiders from 1982-90. He made two Pro Bowls and was part of a Super Bowl championship team.

Why McElroy gets No. 26

McElroy is the best No. 26 because he produced takeaways at a high rate. He finished with 31 interceptions as a Raider.

Meanwhile, he was a fixture in the defensive backfield, starting 88 games in silver and black. That combination separates him from other notable No. 26s.

Draft and background

McElroy was born January 13, 1960, in Birmingham, Ala. He attended Uvalde High School in Texas, then played at Baylor.

The Los Angeles Raiders drafted him in the third round (No. 64 overall) in 1982.

Other notable No. 26s

  • Napoleon Kaufman, 1995-2000

  • Skip Thomas, 1972-1977

  • Stanford Routt, 2005-2011

  • Rod Woodson, 2002-2003

  • Nemiah Wilson, 1968-1970

Career check

McElroy helped define the Raiders secondary in the 1980s. For No. 26, his 31 interceptions set the bar.

Next up tomorrow: No. 25.

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

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