The Las Vegas Raiders have one thing that gives them an advantage over every team in the entire NFL. They have a Maxx Crosby, which is something that every team in the league wishes they had. He's a freak, where he eats, breathes, and sleeps football. On top of that, he is relentless and never gives up on a play. He plays every single snap.
Oh, and did I mention that he also is the best defensive player in the league? He's a reason some players want to come play for the Raiders, just like Christian Wilkins did this offseason. And now that OTAs and mandatory minicamp has come and gone, Wilkins has seen it up close and personal.
It's safe to say Wilkins has been in awe every single day.
"I was going to say I definitely second that," new defensive tackle Christian Wilkins said during mandatory minicamp. "Maxx [Crosby] is the real deal and I see why he's done the things he's done in this league. Obviously, I've known Maxx for a long time, since college. But seeing it up close and personal each and every day, it's like, 'Damn, this guy doesn't stop.' He's about the right stuff, and that's good to see.
"So that even challenges me, just mentally, every day, like, 'Alright, I have to bring it because I know he's going to bring it,' and vice versa. We kind of feed off each other there, definitely. But it's humbling for him to say that I just love to compete and try to bring it every day myself. So, it's good that we're pushing each other and then pushing the team as well."
The two will get along perfectly, as Crosby has already said that Wilkins challenges him as much as anyone has since Yannick Ngakoue in 2021, which is saying something because of how relentless Ngakoue is. Wilkins is trying to match Crosby and what he brings every day, although it may be extremely hard.
From everything we have heard though, those two have set the tone on defense during their practices. And, that's how it should be. But it's clear even with another top defender on the team in Wilkins, Crosby continues to shine.
