Raiders' Maxx Crosby Named AP DPOY Finalist

Las Vegas Raiders All-Pro defensive end Maxx Crosby has been named one of five finalists for the Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year Award.

Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby is finally earning his respect as not only one of the best edge rushers in the game, but one of the best defensive players as well.

On Thursday, the Associated Press revealed its finalists for its NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award and Crosby is one of the five candidates.

The three-time Pro Bowler and 2023 AP All-Pro Second Team honoree turned in his best campaign so far this past season. 

Crosby finished with career-highs in three major categories: 14.5 sacks, 90 combined tackles and a league-best 23 tackles for losses. He also recorded 31 quarterback hits, two passes defensed, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

Joining Crosby as the finalists for the award are Dallas Cowboys cornerback DaRon Bland, Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt.

Las Vegas Raiders All-Pro edge rusher Maxx Crosby has been named one of five finalists for the Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year Award / © Stephen R. Sylvanie | 2023 Dec 14

Bland finished the year with 69 combined tackles, three for losses, one quarterback hit, 15 passes defensed, and a league-leading nine interceptions, including five that were returned for touchdowns, which was a league best, and his 209 interception yards also were the most in the NFL.

Garrett posted 42 combined tackles, 17 for losses, 30 quarterback hits, 14.0 sacks, three passes defensed, four forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

Parsons, the 2021 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year, totaled 64 combined tackles, 18 for losses, 33 quarterback hits, 14.0 sacks, two passes defensed, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

Watt recorded 68 combined tackles, 19 for losses, 36 quarterback hits, a league-leading 19.0 sacks, eight passes defensed, four forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and an interception returned for a touchdown. He won the 2021 AP Defensive Player of the Year Award.

From February 27 to March 4, 2024, the NFL Scouting Combine will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.

The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.

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