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Las Vegas Raiders: 5 players that must perform for a 2021 playoff berth

By CJ Errickson

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 08: Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders warms up prior to playing the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on November 08, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - NOVEMBER 08: Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders warms up prior to playing the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on November 08, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /
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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 15: Defensive end Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders gets ready to take the field against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium on November 15, 2020, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 37-12. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – NOVEMBER 15: Defensive end Maxx Crosby #98 of the Las Vegas Raiders gets ready to take the field against the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium on November 15, 2020, in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 37-12. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Las Vegas Raiders: 5 players that must perform for a 2021 playoff berth

Maxx Crosby

The first defensive player that must consistently play at a high level for the Las Vegas Raiders to make the playoffs in 2021 may surprise some. Defensive end Maxx Crosby is preparing to enter his third season with the organization, and he has been a great find for Mayock and the coaching staff.

After overcoming off-field situations in the offseason and physical injuries in the 2020 season, the former Eastern Michigan University product showed how to become an impact player for the organization based on his commitment to overcoming adversity. Despite playing through a torn shoulder labrum and a broken metal plate in his hand, Crosby put together an impressive sophomore campaign in which he started all 16 games and amassed seven sacks.

Considering the circumstances of his personal life and the state of the defense around him last season, Maxx’s ceiling for 2021 is promising.

What is next for Maxx Crosby in 2021?

In terms of what Maxx Crosby can do in 2021, the sky is the limit. An NFL player’s third NFL season is a pivotal crossroads for many. Most recently, teammate Kolton Miller proved that his third season in 2020 was his best and a true indicator of his potential.

The same is true for Maxx, and he is not wasting any time in the offseason to improve. Most recently, he was in attendance at Von Miller’s pass rush camp in Henderson, Nevada, where the All-Pro Denver Broncos defensive end had high praise for his division rival.

The Raiders’ defensive end is poised to make a difference in the same defensive scheme that Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram thrived in. After two seasons of having minimal help on the defensive line, the third player on this list will allow Maxx to potentially have a Pro Bowl-caliber season.

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