Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) in the tunnel against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field.
© Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
The Las Vegas Raiders have big plans for the 2026 season. Vegas finally has talent at the quarterback position, which could help turn the entire organization around. The Raiders could take a big leap forward this fall, especially if their best defensive player is motivated to prove his doubters wrong.
Raiders edge rusher Maxx Crosby finally learned his spot in the NFL's Top 100 ranking ahead of the 2026 season. Crosby ranked as the 24th best player in the NFL after finishing 22nd in the same exercise last offseason.
That may only be a slight drop, but Crosby is using it as fuel to motivate himself just one month before the regular season.
“24. More Is Required,” Crosby posted on social media in reply to his Top 100 placement.
Crosby's ranking proves that his perception around the NFL is still incredibly high, despite falling a few spots. Still, the superstar edge rusher did not become one of the league's most dangerous pass rushers by being complacent.
Oddly, Crosby put up better stats in 2025 than he did the year before. He logged 73 total tackles with 10 sacks and two forced fumbles in 15 games in 2025. Crosby accomplished this amid a terrible season in Vegas where they only won three games.
Crosby did not need any additional motivation to have a breakout season this fall. The Raiders' failed Crosby trade with the Ravens by itself seemed to create a fire under the superstar edge rusher. Now the NFL's Top 100 ranking may motivate him to work even harder.
It will be exciting to see how the Raiders look on defense this fall, especially after adding talent around Crosby.
Next up for the Raiders is a preseason matchup against the Cardinals. That game kicks off at 8PM ET on Thursday from Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.