Oakland Raiders: Grading the 2019 NFL Draft class
By Justin Fried
Round 4 (106th Overall) — Maxx Crosby, DE, Eastern Michigan
The Raiders decided to double up at the edge rusher position with the selection of Eastern Michigan’s Maxx Crosby here in the fourth round. In many ways, however, Crosby represents a direct antithesis to their first edge rusher pick in Clelin Ferrell.
Crosby is a high-ceiling developmental prospect who has great length and hand technique, but needs to bulk up a ton before he can be expected to contribute regularly in the NFL. He’s long but skinny and has a poor center of balance that could lead to him getting thrown around at the next level.
The Eastern Michigan product possesses high upside as a finesse rusher making good use of his hands when rushing the passer, but his lack of core strength will be a major hindrance early on in his career. Crosby would benefit from adding a bit of additional weight to further fill out his frame.
Still, his upside does appear limited due to his modest athleticism and slow first step. Not a bad player to take a flier on, but pick No. 106 is a bit early for my liking.