The Oakland Raiders added a ton of talent on both sides of the ball this offseason. While the additions should help the team overall, it could mean some quality players end up losing starting jobs.
One player that could lose his starting spot is second-year defensive end Arden Key. After starting 10 games as a rookie, Key isn’t guaranteed a starting job entering the 2019 season. No. 4 overall pick Clelin Ferrell is a lock to start at the left defensive end, but it’s fourth-round pick Maxx Crosby who could challenge Key for a starting role.
In a recent piece by Pro Football Focus, Key versus Crosby was named one of the most intriguing camp battles to watch this summer. Both players are incredibly talented, but the site predicted that Crosby would ultimately win the starting role:
Crosby’s all-around talent makes him perfectly suited for the early-down spot opposite Ferrell, while Key could be limited to a designated pass-rushing role going forward.
Given just how productive Crosby was at Eastern Michigan, it wouldn’t be a shock to see him lined up as the Day 1 starter at right defensive end for the Raiders. However, don’t count out Key making a significant leap in his second year with the Raiders.
