Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby is a humble guy, even after racking up 10 quarterback sacks as a fourth-round pick from Eastern Michigan and finishing second in the Defensive Rookie of the Year voting.
But he still has his sights set high. In an interview with NFL Media, Crosby was told about high praise form Major League Baseball star, C.C. Sabathia, an ardent Raiders fan. Sabathia predicted 14.5 sacks for Crosby in year No 2.
“I hold myself to a high standard. I want to be a 2.0 version of myself next year,” Crosby said. “So if the number is 14 and a half — if it’s … the number doesn’t matter. I’ve just got to be the best version of myself and the results will come.”
Upon being prodded by his interviewer, saying that the Raiders sack record of 16, set by Derrick Burgess in 2005, is within his reach, Crosby loosened up and said he wants to eclipse that number by a longshot.
“I’m trying to beat it,” he said. “I’m trying to have 30 sacks if I can.”
Crosby was perhaps the finest selection from a dynamite draft by general manager Mike Mayock when considering his draft slot and team needs. The Raiders had just 13 sacks as a team in 2018 after trading away star defensive end Khalil Mack. Crosby has helped the Raiders brass, and the team’s fans, turn the page on the controversial deal.
As long as he improves in his rookie campaign, along with other draft standouts, fellow DE Clelin Ferrell, running back Josh Jacobs, wide receiver Hunter Renfrow and tight end Foster Moreau, among others, the Raiders will be in solid shape heading into their new Las Vegas home.