Carolina Panthers: 2019 NFL Draft do-over (7 rounds)
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers Round 3 pick (No. 100): Maxx Crosby – DE
The Las Vegas Raiders struck gold with defensive end Maxx Crosby. He burst onto the scene in his rookie season and set the NFL alight with his ferocious pass-rushing ability and unbelievable motor.
If the Carolina Panthers could go back and change any selection of the Draft, then Crosby would be a primary candidate. He would have fit in tremendously well with the current group and his impact was instant in a professional environment.
Crosby eventually ended the season with 11 sacks on his way to a 65.8 grade from Pro Football Focus. If the former Eastern Michigan product can brush up areas such as tackling and run support this offseason, then he has a Pro Bowl ceiling in 2020.
Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock know more about prospects than most. And this has been reflected in the two exceptionally strong drafts that the Raiders have had since the pair joined forces. There is every chance that Crosby was just a flash in the pan. But given his high work ethic and his physical attributes. The risk of him slipping appears minuscule.
The Panthers allocated their third-round pick on quarterback Will Grier. To say he was not ready for the field was a massive understatement. But Carolina did not have a choice late on and it remains to be seen just how much damage this has done to the player’s confidence.