Entering the 2019 NFL draft, it wasn’t a secret that the Raiders were going to select a few defensive ends. However, no one could have expected that their fourth-round pick would outproduce the No. 4 pick in the draft. But that’s precisely what has happened over the first nine games of the season.
Fourth-round pick Maxx Crosby has been fantastic for the Raiders this season, recording seven quarterback hits, five tackles for a loss, and 2.5 sacks. He also leads the team in quarterback pressures with 25, according to Pro Football Focus.
Crosby has everything you would want in a young edge rusher. He’s highly athletic with great size and a non-stop motor. He needs to continue to improve his technique and become more consistent from game to game, but that will come with more playing time.
While it’s fair to be slightly disappointed with the production from the team’s No. 4 pick in the 2019 draft, Crosby has been an incredible find by this front office. Look for him to continue to be a staple for this defensive line for years to come.
