Las Vegas Raiders stars Davante Adams, and Maxx Crosby were on the positive end of a recent ranking and rating. Both players are again considered the best at their respective position, which isn’t new.
For Adams, his recognition came via a ranking done by ESPN’s senior NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler. In speaking with coaches, executives, and scouts, Fowler composed the list, which sees the wide-out at No. 2.
As for Crosby, the Raiders pass rusher saw his rating boost in Madden NFL 24. So anyone looking to get to the quarterback while playing with the Silver and Black can expect an improved Crosby.
Is Davante Adams the second-best wide receiver in the NFL?
Adams’ ranking at No. 2 comes as no surprise. Last season the 30-year-old brushed off any comments over being a product of Aaron Rodgers during his time with the Green Bay Packers.
The Raiders star was a key player for the Packers before joining Las Vegas in a high-profile trade in 2022. His transition to the Silver and Black has been seamless, and his impact has been felt throughout the team.
In Adams’ first season with the Raiders, he posted a near-career-high tally in yards (1,516) and led the NFL in touchdowns (14). Furthermore, this production was done with Derek Carr and Jarrett Stidham under center.
“His feet are still probably the best, body control, ball skills,” an NFC executive told Fowler. “If you ran 40s or 20-yard shuttles, he wouldn’t be near the top or wow you, but he just knows how to play the position and get open.”
The various coaches, executives, and scouts had Adams as high as No. 1 and as low as No. 7. There’s only one player better than Adams in the ranking: Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson.
Maxx Crosby gets Madden rating boost
Crosby had a career-high in sacks (12.5) last season. While various football pundits are penciling the 25-year-old to outperform his production from a year ago, Electronic Arts may be ahead of the curve.
EA recently revealed (h/t SI’s Aidan Champion) the overall ratings for pass rushers, and the Raiders star was given a 94 for Madden NFL 24. Crosby is tied for the fourth-best overall rating in the game alongside T.J. Watt and Von Miller.
The only edge rushers with a better overall rating than Crosby are Nick Bosa (98), Myles Garrett (98), and Micah Parsons (97). If Crosby has another career year, expect that 94 to go even higher for Madden NFL 25.
*Top Photo: Darren Yamashita USA Today Sports