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Raiders draft countdown: Wayne Hawkins is best No. 65

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Mark Hebert | Last updated Feb 17, 2026 8:49 AM ET

Sixty-five 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, February 17, the number is 65.

Wayne Hawkins, No. 65

Wayne Hawkins is the pick for No. 65 because he was one of the defining linemen of the early Raiders years. He spent his entire pro career with the franchise and helped set the standard up front.

Hawkins played 136 games for the Raiders and started 104 from 1960-1969. He was a consistent interior presence through the franchises AFL rise.

The separator is five Pro Bowl selections in Silver and Black.

#Raiders Wayne Hawkins

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1967 AFL champion and 5x AFL All-Star pic.twitter.com/220s1FaQyK
— AFL Godfather

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(@NFLMAVERICK) July 29, 2022

Why Hawkins gets No. 65

No. 65 has several solid options, but Hawkins has the strongest combination of longevity and accolades. He was a Pro Bowl level player for years, and he did it while the Raiders were building their identity.

He also has championship hardware. Hawkins was part of an AFL title team, which matters for this number.

Draft and background

Hawkins was born June 17, 1938, in Fort Peck, Montana. He played at Shasta Union High School in California before starring at Pacific.

He was selected in the 1960 AFL draft by the Denver Broncos. Then he built his entire pro career with the Raiders.

Other notable No. 65s

Barry Sims, 1999-2007
Mickey Marvin, 1977-1987
Max Montoya, 1990-1994
Mike Brisiel, 2012-2013

Career check

Hawkins is a clean fit for this countdown: a Raiders lifer with 136 games, 104 starts, five Pro Bowls and a championship. For No. 65, that is the standard.

Next up tomorrow: No. 64.

Welcome to Dice City Sports — where we provide premium, exclusive, up-to-date news and analysis surrounding the Las Vegas sports scene. Follow along on social media, and check back for new articles daily!

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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