Raiders Land Maxx Crosby's Replacement in Mock Draft

Despite having Maxx Crosby, the Raiders could have a serious need at edge rusher next season.

General manager John Spytek already agreed to trade Crosby in the offseason. But Baltimore backed out of the deal that would have sent two first-round picks to Las Vegas. The reasoning behind moving Crosby is simply the timing of the Raiders’ competitive window.

Las Vegas is not planning to win now, and probably won’t be a contender in 2027. Crosby is already 29 years old, meaning he could be well past his peak by the time the Raiders are ready to try and win.

Crosby could be on the move again. Whether it is at the trade deadline or in the offseason, the Raiders would create a hole at edge rusher. A missing piece that could be filled in the first round, especially if trading Crosby nets another first-round pick in the 2027 draft.

Stewart likely won’t be the next Maxx Crosby. But Stewart could be the type of player to fit into the Raiders’ timeline better than Crosby. He could be at the very beginning of his peak when Las Vegas finally makes it back to contention. Plus, he would be on his rookie contract, while Crosby will likely command a top-of-the-market salary.

But edge rusher won’t be the only position of need. Depending on how certain players perform this season, the Raiders could need a true No. 1 wide receiver, multiple starting offensive linemen or a nose tackle for the 3-4 defense.

There are enough holes that the Raiders don’t have to lock in on one position for the 2027 draft.