The 2026 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, and the first night is set to be a franchise-changing one for the Las Vegas Raiders. The organization is set to bring in Fernando Mendoza to be the team’s long-term answer at quarterback.
After a splashy offseason, the Raiders finally have hope again heading into 2026. What’s even sweeter is that their best defensive player, star pass-rusher and team captain Maxx Crosby, is back in the fold after a whirlwind of an offseason. It looked like Crosby was being shipped off to the Baltimore Ravens, but he’s now gearing up for another season in Vegas.
Now, Crosby has an eye on the draft to see what additions the Raiders make. Crosby wants to win now, and in order for him to stay for the long run, Las Vegas has to crush it in the draft to keep improving the team following a strong free agency period.
Crosby himself has already chosen a favorite draft prospect in his eyes, although he might not make sense for the Raiders. Ironically, his “wild card” player is a perfect fit for the Dallas Cowboys, who wanted to trade for Crosby this offseason.
Maxx Crosby is a big fan of Miami Hurricanes pass-rusher Akheem Mesidor
On his podcast, Crosby highlighted Miami Hurricanes EDGE Akheem Mesidor as one of his favorite prospects, based purely on the film he’s watched of him.
“Just watching some of his tape, his bend is crazy. The way he’s able to get around the edge. The way he’s able to get off the ball. He’s freaky.“
Mesidor has been a popular pick in mock drafts for Dallas’ second first-round selection, at No. 20. ESPN’s Peter Schrager recently had that exact pick in his first plugged-in mock draft.
Despite playing second fiddle to Rueben Bain Jr. at Miami, Mesidor is fully expected to be drafted not long after his college teammate. Mesidor is coming off of a 12.5 sack season with the Hurricanes. He’s an older prospect at 25 years old, but Dallas could use his experience in a big way to start his NFL career.
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