When the Raiders traded away Khalil Mack before the start of the 2018 season, it seemed like the team was going to have to wait years before they found suitable pass-rush help. But it appears the Raiders have already found their next stud pass rusher in defensive end, Maxx Crosby.
Despite not starting the season due to a broken hand, Crosby finished the year with 16 tackles for a loss, 14 quarterback hits, and 10 sacks. Obviously, all those numbers are impressive, but it’s the sack total that is the most surprising.
Typically, rookie pass rushers take awhile to adjust to the NFL game. That is even truer for non-first round picks and/or small school players. Guys like Crosby just don’t produce at a high rate very often in their first season in the NFL. To prove that point, take a look at every player who has recorded at least 10 sacks during their rookie season this decade:
Aldon Smith (14) – 2011
Bradley Chubb (12) – 2018
Von Miller (11.5) – 2011
Josh Allen (10.5) – 2019
Joey Bosa (10.5) – 2016
Maxx Crosby (10) – 2019
Ndamukong Suh (10) – 2010
Of the seven players on this list, Crosby is the only non-first round pick to have this level of success. In fact, you’ll notice that the other six players who recorded 10 or more sacks as a rookie were all top-10 picks in their respective drafts.
If Clelin Ferrell can start producing like a top-10 pick, the Raiders could have a scary pass rush in the near future. Crosby looks like he is well on his way to becoming one of the best pass rushers in the league. And considering where the Raiders drafted him, Mike Mayock and Jon Gruden have to be smiling from ear to ear about their new star edge rusher.
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