Summary

Maxx Crosby was drafted in Round 4 (#106 Overall) in the 2019 Draft out of Eastern Michigan University, where he compiled strong production, including 20.0 sacks and 41 tackles for loss in his career. In his NFL career (as of 2025), Crosby has appeared in over 100 games, recorded 63.5 sacks, and amassed more than 350 total tackles. He has earned Pro Bowl honors multiple times and he’s been named AP Second‑Team All-Pro (2021, 2022, 2023). On and off the field, Crosby is known for his relentless motor, high competitiveness, and leadership. According to his Raiders bio, he ranks among the franchise’s all-time leaders in pressures, tackles-for-loss, and quarterback hits, showing both production and consistency.

Strengths

• High Motor, Stamina & Effort: Crosby plays with relentless energy on every snap; he chases plays, hunts down quarterbacks, and does not let up. Crosby plays almost every snap every play and exhibits world class conditioning for the position.

• Pass-Rush Productivity: Over his career, he’s consistently pressured the quarterback, generating a high sack total (63.5) and making frequent backfield plays. NFL.com

• Tackles for Loss (TFL) Specialist: He’s among the league leaders in TFL since his rookie year, showing his ability to penetrate and disrupt run plays. Las Vegas Raiders

• Versatile Edge Defender: At 6′5″ and ~255 lbs, he has the length to set the edge in run defense and the athleticism to rush off the edge. ESPN.com

• Run‑Defensive Instincts: Good at reading run plays, disengaging from blockers, and pursuing ball carriers behind the line.

• Pass-Deflection: He can bat down passes at the line, contributing to pass defense beyond just sacks.

• Durability & Consistency: Despite playing a physical style, he’s accumulated a high snap count and maintained production over multiple seasons.

• Leadership & Character: Widely respected within the Raiders’ locker room; his commitment and competitiveness make him a spiritual leader on defense.

Weaknesses

• Limited Bulk / Strength vs Power: At 255 lbs, Crosby is a bit lighter than some elite edge rushers; he may struggle against very powerful, thick-set offensive tackles in pure power matchups.

• Bull Rush Vulnerability: Because he’s more finesse‑oriented, his bull-rush move can be less effective if the offensive lineman expects it and braces.

• Limited versatility: Crosby rushes mostly from the left defensive end position against the right tackle and rarely flips to the right side to exploit match-ups, facilitating opponent game plans for chipping plans for him.

• Injury Risk: He has had ankle issues — in 2024, he underwent ankle surgery and was placed on injured reserve.

• Pass Rush Flash, Not Always Finisher: While excellent at generating pressure, there have been stretches where he pressures more than he converts to sacks.

• Contract / Salary Risk: After signing a massive extension, there’s heightened expectation for elite production; any drop-off could draw scrutiny.

Fit & Outlook

Maxx Crosby is the kind of edge defender who can be a cornerstone piece on a championship‑aspiring defense. He fits particularly well in a 4‑3 scheme (or similar fronts) where he can line up wide, set the edge, and rush aggressively. Given his ability to both disrupt the run and produce as a pass rusher, he’s an ideal complement to interior penetrators or agile linebackers Looking ahead, Crosby’s outlook remains very high. He’s proven he can stay productive, and his contract reflects his value to the Raiders. If he remains healthy, he should continue to be a perennial Pro Bowl candidate. Over the next few years, he has the potential to be not just a top pass rusher, but one of the most feared dual-threat edge defenders in the league — capable of anchoring the Raiders’ defense and threatening the quarterback every snap.