Maxx Crosby had a breakout season in 2021 as his play helped lead the Raiders to the playoffs. While he didn’t have a ton of sacks, he was constantly creating pressure and disrupting offenses.
But where does Crosby rank among the NFL’s best pass rushers? In a recent article by Sam Monson of Pro Football Focus, he ranked all of the top EDGE rushers in the NFL heading into the 2022 season.
Not surprisingly, Crosby was ranked in Tier 1, along with Myles Garrett, T.J. Watt, etc. He ranked him at No. 6, just ahead of Nick Bosa of the 49ers. Here is what Monson had to say about the Pro Bowl pass rusher for the Raiders:
“Maxx Crosby had a true breakout 2021 season and led the NFL in pressures, becoming only the third player to post more than 100 in a season since 2006 (101). Crosby faced a very weak run of right tackles all season, but he still remained just as productive against better opposition. He now needs to show that wasn’t a flash in the pan.”
Crosby primarily plays as a left defensive end for the Raiders, so he will face mostly right tackles. The NFL lacks depth at the right tackle position, so Monson’s concern about playing weak tackles will likely be the case again in 2022.
With the Raiders adding Chandler Jones this offseason, they should have one of the most dynamic pass-rush duos in the league. But don’t be surprised if Crosby starts to turn more of those pressures into sacks this year. And if that is the case, he could be a legit contender to win the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.
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