Rookie Maxx Crosby standing out at Raiders camp, ‘might lead the league in effort’

When the Raiders drafted Maxx Crosby in the fourth round of the 2019 draft he may not have been a name you were that familiar with. Crosby didn’t get the national recognition that many other prospects at his position received, even after a stellar combine.

Coming out of a small school, Eastern Michigan, that plays in the MAC conference surely had something to do with that. Now just one week into his first NFL training camp, Crosby is catching the attention of his teammates and coaches.

“I like Maxx. Mad Maxx. You guys see us run gassers afterward, he beats everybody,” said head coach Jon Gruden. “His pursuit to the football has been incredible. He’s got a ways to go yet as a pass rusher, developing an inventory of moves and recognizing plays and situations, but nobody works harder. He might lead the league in effort.”

So far the reviews on Crosby have been great. A tweet surfaced on Monday of ‘Mad Maxx’ flashing some of the pass rush moves that are in his arsenal. He easily beats second year tackle Brandon Parker on the play.

One of the great things for Maxx Crosby is that he gets to do battle everyday in practice with Trent Brown. Brown a veteran offensive tackle has faced the best pass rushers the league has to offer.

“Maxx is good,” Raiders right tackle Trent Brown said of Crosby. “Maxx is good as hell honestly. He can rush the passer, he can defend the run. He has a high motor. He is going to be someone to watch out for.”

It’s still early but it sounds like the Raiders might have found a diamond in the rough. The Raiders pass rush was the team’s biggest weakness last season. Rookies Clelin Ferrell and Maxx Crosby along with the development of second year players PJ Hall, Maurice Hurst, and Arden Key should provide the defense with a much needed boost in the sacks department.