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Maxx Crosby Makes Bold Statement about Raiders' Second-Year Starter

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Levi Dombro | Last updated May 21, 2025 5:30 PM ET

The Las Vegas Raiders and their fan base count their lucky stars each day that defensive end Maxx Crosby is a member of the Silver and Black. Not only is he one of the league's best and most well-rounded defensive linemen, but he is an ambassador for the franchise off the field.

He has taken on an incredible leadership role for the team in recent years, which includes both pushing and mentoring the team's newer players. Crosby only knows how to go one speed, and he expects that out of every player he interacts with.

Crosby has been, at least partially, responsible for the development of several young players, notably Malcolm Koonce.

On Tuesday's episode of "The Rush with Maxx Crosby," the four-time Pro Bowler took an opportunity to give flowers to another young Raiders player. He even made a bold statement about him before his second NFL season.

"One of the best centers in the National Football League," Crosby said. "A future All-Pro, Pro Bowler, man is an absolute savage on the field. I call him baby Richie (Incognito). Our boy, Jackson Powers-Johnson."

Such high praise from a veteran player is a major vote of confidence for Powers-Johnson so early in his career. While he looked great at times last year for the Silver and Black, perhaps more important is how the best players in the building feel about him.

Powers-Johnson is in for a big sophomore campaign, and it sounds like he is on the path to becoming an elite player in the NFL. Former general manager Tom Telesco did not do much for the Raiders, but he did select Powers-Johnson, which looks like a better move every day.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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