Every season, there are a handful of players whose performance exceeds anything we could have imagined in the offseason. For the 2019 Raiders, that is no different.
Through five games, there are several players, both young and old, who are playing above their heads for the Raiders. Today, we are looking at the four players who have been the most surprising so far for Oakland.
1. TE Darren Waller
What more can be mentioned about Darren Waller that hasn’t already been said? He’s quickly developed into one of the league’s most dangerous receiving options at tight end and is improving as a blocker.
With Oakland struggling with injuries at receiver, Waller’s ability to make plays in the passing game is becoming that much more critical. If he can continue to produce at this pace, he should shatter all of the Raiders’ records for a tight end as he is a lock to make the Pro Bowl.
2. DE Maxx Crosby
When the Oakland Raiders selected defensive end Maxx Crosby in the fourth round, the expectation is that he would be buried on the depth chart and certainly behind No. 4 overall pick Clelin Ferrell.
But through the first month-and-half of the season, there is no doubt that Crosby has significantly outperformed Ferrell.
On 170 snaps, Crosby has tallied 10 tackles, two pass deflections, two quarterback hits, a sack, and a forced fumble. He’s been all over the field, creating constant pressure with his athleticism and effort.
Crosby is performing like a first-round pick, and the future looks bright for the former Eastern Michigan standout. Ideally, Oakland would love for both Ferrell and Crosby to develop into long term starters, and they are certainly on track to doing so.
Crosby has proven to be one of the best Day 3 picks of the entire 2019 draft.
3. LG Richie Incognito
It’s not often that Pro Bowl-caliber guards are available in free agency, but Oakland was lucky enough to find one this offseason. While there certainly was some risk involved in signing Richie Incognito, he is showing why Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden were willing to put their necks on the line for him.
Incognito is currently Pro Football Focus’ seventh-ranked guard, just behind the likes of Zack Martin of the Cowboys and Joel Bitonio of the Browns. Twice, he’s been one of the league’s highest-graded guards, making PFF’s Team of the Week in Weeks 3 and 4.
If Incognito can continue to play at this level (and there is no reason to expect his play to drop), then he should be a potential Pro Bowl selection in the AFC. He’s simply been one of the best interior offensive linemen in all of football and has proven to be an excellent signing for the Raiders.
4. DE Benson Mayowa
With both Clelin Ferrell and Arden Key out with injuries over the last few weeks, the Raiders have had to dig deep on their depth chart to find help at defensive end. But luckily for them, veteran Benson Mayowa has answered the call.
Despite playing just 91 snaps this season, Mayowa has recorded 4.5 sacks to lead the team. He’s also forced two fumbles and totaled four other quarterback hits. As the season goes along, the team is going to rely on Mayowa to help get to the quarterback, even if he doesn’t play every down in Paul Guenther’s defense.
Mayowa becoming a productive rotational defensive end has been a surprising development for the Raiders this season.
