Despite that, players and executives around the league hold Crosby in very high esteem. In a recent league-wide poll conducted by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Crosby ranked among the top edge rushers. He finished fourth in the poll and was even listed as high as second by some respondents. Voters who prize a complete game and relentless motor ranked Crosby highly, with one evaluator noting he has “the best motor of any defensive player.”
Among those ranked ahead of Crosby were Myles Garrett, Micah Parsons, and Will Anderson. He was placed ahead of notable pass rushers such as Aidan Hutchinson, Nick Bosa, Danielle Hunter, and T.J. Watt in the survey. While this is a measurement of perception in a media context, Crosby commands a great deal of respect within NFL circles.
“He’s a bad (expletive) — versatile against the run and the pass, and he’s a constant threat,” one NFL executive told Fowler. Crosby isn’t known for posting massive sack totals, but many view him as perhaps the league’s best defensive end against the run. The consensus is that there isn’t a clear weakness in his game. “You’re getting a complete body of work with Maxx; he does everything well,” an AFC executive said. “Pass rush, splash plays, strong against the run, high motor, makes plays in the backfield.”
The primary factor preventing Crosby from being with the Ravens is his health. He tore his meniscus last season, requiring surgery, and has missed multiple games in consecutive seasons after initially being an iron man early in his career. While health is cited as Crosby’s lone weakness by some observers, the belief is that his style—motor-driven and relentless—can lead to wear and tear over time. There were concerns about his surgically repaired knee when the trade with Baltimore was discussed in March.
As Crosby continues his career, a balance between maximizing his impact and managing his body could be crucial for long-term effectiveness and durability. He has already established himself as one of the NFL’s toughest and most hardworking players, and future teams may need to consider how best to deploy him to sustain peak performance while protecting his health.
Note: This article is a standalone analysis and does not reference any external publication.
