The Las Vegas Raiders added to their defensive front in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, using the No. 74 pick on former Auburn Tigers standout Keyron Crawford. After nearly moving on from Maxx Crosby earlier this offseason, the team is now giving the veteran more support off the edge.
Crawford finished the 2025 college football season with a 76.3 overall defensive grade from PFF, placing 166th out of 852 qualifying edge defenders. His pass-rush grade was 85.8, ranking 48th at the position, while his run-defense grade was 73.9, ranking 237th.
As a pass rusher, the former Tigers standout totaled 43 pressures, including five sacks, 12 quarterback hits, and 26 hurries. Against the run, he recorded 23 solo tackles and forced one fumble during the season.
On May 2, Crawford spoke with the media and shared the advice that Crosby has given him as the edge rusher completes Day 2 of rookie minicamp.
“I’ve talked to Max probably twice already,” Crawford told reporters. “He called me draft night, and then I called him the next day just to get a couple of pointers. But just being able to soak in as much knowledge as I can once everybody gets in, it’s going to be the best part…
“[Crosby said] just be respectful. You don’t have to talk as much. Show in, show out. When your time comes, get ahead of the vets, show them how it’s done. If my name is called, just be ready. So just being able to be myself and bring everything that I have to the table up front without hesitation. Just don’t be scared of anything. That’s me. That’s the main one.”
Raiders’ Keyron Crawford Issues Strong Words to Maxx Crosby
This isn’t the first time that Crawford has talked about Crosby. Following the Raiders‘ selection of Crawford, the 22-year-old spoke with the media and shared his thoughts on playing alongside the Raiders star on the team’s defensive line.
“Maxx is definitely one of my favorite players just because of how he attacks the field and how he carries himself,“ Crawford told reporters on April 24. “I can’t lie, I’m going to pick apart everything about him.
“It’s about taking that and translating it to my game, my routine and my schedule, and trying to be the best person as well. Being able to learn from him at a young age is important, but at the same time, I still want to surpass him. If I can’t do that, I’d definitely love to play alongside him on the other edge.”
Tyree Wilson Needed a Change of Scenary
The drafting of Crawford allowed the Raiders to cut ties with former edge rusher Tyree Wilson. After the Raiders selected him with the No. 7 pick in 2023, Wilson played under Josh McDaniels, Antonio Pierce, and Pete Carroll.
As a result, he noted that he’s happy to be going to the Saints, given that he wanted a change of scenery.
“I wouldn’t say need, but I wanted a change of scenery,“ Wilson told reporters on April 27. “… I love Vegas and love the people, love the opportunities in Vegas, but I feel like it wasn’t off to the best start, and pretty much there’s always a change in coaches every year; I feel like here in New Orleans, the trend is going upward, and I’m grateful to be here, grateful for the opportunity.”
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