Maybe—just maybe—the Las Vegas Raiders finally got the first round of the NFL Draft right. Meanwhile, a certain player is getting tons of attention thanks to something other than his on-field production.
The Raiders need an improved pass rush to improve on the team’s total of 27 sacks from last season. While Chandler Jones will look for a bounce-back season after only registering 4.5 sacks in Year 1 with the Silver and Black, the franchise also spent a top selection on a pass rusher.
Vegas used the No. 7 overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft to take Texas Tech’s Tyree Wilson. Various sportsbooks see the 22-year-old with the third-best odds to win the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year award.
Wilson will support Maxx Crosby, who will garner the opposition’s attention. However, the Raiders pass rusher has been receiving attention for his ink more recently.
Is Tyree Wilson a Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate?
Crosby will likely be seeing double teams from opponents this season after recording 12.5 sacks in 2022, so Vegas needs someone to win their matchups against the offensive line.
The Raiders invest the No. 7 overall selection in Wilson; as a result, the franchise sees the young pass rusher as the player that can play the Robin role on the team to Crosby’s Batman.
Nonetheless, Vegas might not be the only one with high hopes for Wilson having a successful rookie campaign. FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesar’s, PointsBet, and DraftKings list Wilson between +650 and +900 odds to win the rookie of the year award (h/t VegasInsider.com).
There are only two players with better odds of beating Wilson for the award this season: The Houston Texans’ Will Anderson Jr. and the Philadelphia Eagles’ Jalen Carter.
Maxx Crosby pays tribute to various athletes with new ink…
Crosby has his share of tattoos, but the 25-year-old opted to have his latest ink pay tribute to some of the best athletes ever at their sport. The Raiders pass rusher got a full-torso tattoo of Michael Jordan, Muhammad Ali, and Kobe Bryant, TMZ Sports reported Tuesday.
The Eastern Michigan product tapped Andres Ortega at Onder Ink for the massive piece that took 11 hours to complete. The reason for Crosby getting this piece of artwork is due to the Raiders star attempting to strive for greatness.
Crosby’s tattoo has the words “Be Legendary” near his rib cage to remind the edge rusher to ensure he always keeps his focus on his journey to being one of the best that has ever played his position.
*Top Photo: Karl B DeBlaker/Associated Press
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