The Las Vegas Raiders defensive line got a major boost this past offseason when they landed Christian Wilkins in free agency, pairing him with Maxx Crosby to form arguably the best one-two punch in the NFL.
Crosby is a perennial NFL Defensive Player of the Year candidate because of how much havoc he causes along the edge, but he could be in line for an even bigger year during the 2024 season with someone like Wilkins drawing attention from the interior. The two will be counted on to lead the defense under head coach Antonio Pierce, and so far the returns have been positive.
Aside from Crosby and Wilkins, though, the rest of the defensive line will need to pull their weight to get the defense to where it wants to go. One name to watch out for is Adam Butler who established himself as a key part of the D-line last season and also stands to benefit playing next to Crosby and Wilkins.
Butler became a fixture up front for Las Vegas and Crosby believes his teammate is being overlooked around the league via Mike Garafolo of NFL Network as transcribed by Alex Monfreda of RaiderRamble.com:
“I’m super excited about Wilkins, but it can’t go unnoticed the things that Adam Butler has done,” Crosby said. “Last year, having five sacks. One of the most underrated players in the league, I think.”
Butler’s been a hit for the Raiders as he is a consistent source of pressure at defensive tackle, evidenced by the five sacks he registered in 2023. He had more sacks that the rest of the defensive tackles on the roster combined, and could very well surpass that line in 2024 with offenses focusing more of their attention on Crosby and Wilkins.
Butler’s been able to stick in the NFL after going undrafted in 2017, and his story is one that the Silver and Black faithful can surely resonate with. Crosby and Wilkins may be the headliners, but players like Butler can help elevate the Raiders.
Raiders’ Maxx Crosby among top-rated pass rushers in Madden 25
Crosby, like Butler, considers himself an underdog after being drafted in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Crosby was considered too small for the position, but has completely changed that narrative over the years.
Crosby has established himself as one of the best players in the league and that’s reflected in his Madden 25 ranking as he was given a 97 overall.
