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Raiders draft countdown: Willie Brown is best No. 24 in team history

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Mark Hebert | Last updated Mar 30, 2026 10:00 AM ET

24 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 30, 2026, the number is 24.

Willie Brown, No. 24

Willie Brown is the gold standard at No. 24 and one of the greatest Raiders ever. He anchored the secondary for more than a decade with elite instincts and ball skills.

Brown played his entire 16-year Raiders career from 1967-78. Along the way, he became a Hall of Famer and a pillar of championship-era defenses.

Cornerback Willie Brown had a knack for key interceptions, helping the @Raiders win three Super Bowls in eight years.

On the four-year anniversary of Brown's passing, we celebrate his career. #HOFForever pic.twitter.com/NOVLj98c09

— Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) October 21, 2023

Why Brown gets No. 24

Brown is the best No. 24 because the production and accolades separate him from a loaded list. He finished with 54 interceptions and earned nine Pro Bowl selections.

He also delivered at the highest level, winning a Super Bowl and making the Hall of Fame all-1970s team. That complete resume makes him the clear choice.

Draft and background

Brown was born December 2, 1940, in Yazoo City, Miss. He attended Yazoo Training High School in Mississippi, then played at Grambling State and entered the professional ranks as an undrafted free agent in 1963.