The Las Vegas Raiders got a major steal in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft when they selected defensive end Maxx Crosby out of Eastern Michigan. Not much was expected of him but Crosby has turned into a star, living up to the expectations that the team had set for Clelin Ferrell, the No. 4 overall pick in that year’s draft.
Ferrell had the fifth-year option on his contract declined and signed with the San Francisco 49ers in free agency this year. Crosby signed a massive four-year, $94 million deal in March 2022, which he earned with a high level of performance.
In four seasons, he has already put together the kind of resume that some players can only dream of achieving. He has registered at least 7.0 sacks each season, turning into one of the most feared pass rushers in the NFL.
While getting after the quarterback is his calling card, as he has 93 quarterback hits in four seasons, Crosby is more than a one-trick pony. He also sets the edge against the run and has 65 tackles for loss, including a league-leading 22 in 2022.
With two Pro Bowls and one All-Pro Second Team already under his belt, Crosby has proven to be a disruptive force along the Raiders’ defensive line. But, he is not close to being done. There is a lot more that he wants to accomplish, as he has set a major goal for the 2023 season.
While it is a personal goal, it is a unique one. Most players set goals of winning an award or recording a certain amount of production in a specific stat. Crosby has set a personal goal, but it is of a different variety.
“I want to be a great veteran for all the rookies.” – Raiders DE Maxx Crosby
That is an excellent goal to have and goes to show just how seriously Crosby takes his role within the Raiders. He is wise beyond his years, as he is going into only his age-26 season, his fifth in the NFL, but is already assuming a leadership role among the team.
If one of the best players on your team is setting that kind of example, the young players should follow suit. Crosby not only talks the talk, but he also walks the walk with his level of production and not missing a single game thus far in four seasons with the Raiders.
