Ranking the Raiders 2017 draft class by jersey number

Ranking the 2017 draft class of the Oakland Raiders by their choice of jersey number.

Let’s be honest — be it consciously or subconsciously, every fan knows that a jersey number can make or break an NFL prospect before he even steps foot on the field. Certain numbers just look ‘wrong’ on a player. On the flip side, certain numbers just look right, such as 52 at middle linebacker or 12 at quarterback.

With that, a players potential for greatness has a direct correlation to the jersey number he chooses in training camp. This is scientifically proven. Like a cornerback choosing 43 or a defensive tackle choosing 61, numbers can make or break a players potential. There is no denying this.

So let’s rank the Oakland Raiders 2017 draft class based purely on their choice of jersey number. Gareon Conley was assigned no. 2 at mini-camp but unfortunately won’t be able to keep it, so he’ll get a TBD for now. But without further ado, let’s get started.

Honorable Mentions – UDFA’s

Pharoah Brown, TE, No. 81

Fadol Brown, DL, No. 99

Rickey Jefferson, S, No. 25

Marcus McWilson, S, No. 28

Jordan Simmons, OG, No. 65

Xavier Woodson Luster, LB, No. 56

TBD – Gareon Conley – No. 2

Conley makes this list with a TBD ranking because while wearing #2 at cornerback is an elite move, it’s also illegal as NFL defensive backs are only allowed to wear numbers 20 through 49 in games.

Many rookies will wear single-digit numbers in OTA’s, so this isn’t out of the usual, but expect Conley to jump on the number of another camp player that gets cut. Or perhaps a fringe or practice squad player that had the same number last season. A few guesses are he could take 25 or 32, or maybe pay a player for their number (like Shalom Luani’s no. 26). He wore #8 at Ohio State.