10 most underrated defensive players heading into 2020

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - NOVEMBER 24: Defensive End Maxx Crosby #98 of the Oakland Raiders rushes the Quarterback against the New York Jets in the first half in the rain at MetLife Stadium on November 24, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images). /

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Maxx Crosby has All-Pro potential. (Photo by Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Getty Images) /

8. Maxx Crosby

The Raiders spent a high first round draft pick on Clelin Ferrell to anchor their pass rush for years to come. Interestingly, it was Crosby, a fourth rounder who made a much larger impact in 2019.

The former Eastern Michigan state standout came out of relative obscurity to post 10 sacks in his rookie season. More people should have seen this coming. Crosby didn’t play against great competition in college, but his combination of size and speed should have made him a more coveted draft prospect.

The Raiders deserve credit for their willingness to throw him right into the fire as a rookie. More conservative franchises might have chosen to make him a situational player as a rookie. Jon Gruden and his staff gave Crosby an opportunity and he ran with it.

The challenge for the young defensive end will be to post similar production in his second season as a pro. He won’t sneak up on anyone this season. If he posts double-digit sacks again in 2020 then the Raiders will know they have a star on their hands.

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