Former Raiders star: Maxx Crosby on 'HOF trajectory'

Former Raiders star and Pro Football Hall of Famer Howie Long is bullish on Las Vegas defensive end Maxx Crosby.

"Maxx is not only on a trajectory to be a great player in that organization... but Maxx is on the trajectory to be a HOF level player," the Fox Sports analyst said Thursday on Fan Duel's "Up and Adams."

The 26-year-old is not a HOF candidate yet. Per Pro Football Reference's HOF monitor, his score is 19.95, below average for a DE (104), but he undoubtedly will strengthen his case if he continues establishing himself as a top-five pass-rusher.

In six games this season, he's tied for seventh in the league in sacks (5.5) and fourth in tackles for loss (eight). Pro Football Focus gave him a grade of 91.5, fifth among edge-rushers. OddsChecker gives him the eight-best odds (+4000) to win Defensive Player of the Year.

Long — who starred at DE for the Raiders from 1981-93 — believes the two-time Pro Bowler will keep flourishing, citing his work ethic and willingness to improve.

"We had some conversations early on, and we talked over the phone," Long said. "Everything I talked to Maxx about Maxx did."

The main concern with Crosby is his durability. Per PFF, he was the only D-lineman who played 1,000 snaps last season. This season, he has already played on 376 snaps. He doesn't have a great supporting cast, either. Outside of Crosby, no other Raider has more than 1.5 sacks. Carrying the defense week in and week out could wear him down.

Regardless, he's one of the best players in the league, and he's on track to have an excellent career if he keeps playing at a high level.