The Las Vegas Raiders could execute a franchise-altering trade involving star pass-rusher Maxx Crosby—such a draft haul would have such a far-reaching impact. Would second-year general managerJohn Spytek actually go forward with it?
Trading away the presumed “face of the franchise” is never an easy decision. However, if the Raiders and its brain trust are serious about truly resetting the team, why wouldn’t you flip one asset for multiple ones? Say what you want about Crosby; his commitment is immeasurable but the defenses around him have never been elite. In fact, they’ve hardly been above average. One player doesn’t define your results; it’s a team sport and right now, the Raiders are entering a full rebuild.
Whether Spytek actually has the fortitude to ship off the perennial Pro Bowler is another question entirely. Then we have Crosby himself, who continues with his passive-aggressive posts on social media. Maybe you can’t blame him after being benched but the results speak for themselves—the Raiders are in position to draft a franchise quarterback and are on the verge of announcing Klint Kubiak as the next head coach.
Crosby might want to sit this one out; either get on board or, why not, acquire a draft haul from the Chicago Bears that will help turn around the Silver and Black. Let’s examine a scenario involving the latter.
- Raiders receive: 25th overall pick, 163rd pick, 241st pick, and a ’27 2nd round pick
- Bears receive: Maxx Crosby
Raiders 2-Round Mock Draft: Flipping Maxx Crosby to the Windy City
Round 1, No. 1: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana
Even though there are worries, the Raiders will still draft Fernando Mendoza because the NFL is moving toward quarterbacks who win before the snap, not just after it. Mendoza’s best skill is figuring things out. He finds the fronts, coverage, and leverage, and then he puts the offense in a good play instead of making players bail out bad calls. That trait goes on Sundays.
Yes, the criticism is fair: the offense leaned on half-field reads, and many explosives came off defined concepts. But that is also why the fit matters. Pair Mendoza with a wide-zone, play-action system and an up-tempo menu of RPOs, and the transition becomes smoother. The quick delivery, calm pocket presence and consistent ball placement show up when the first read is the right read, which Mendoza regularly creates with pre-snap work.
Arm strength is not elite, so relying on constant deep shots is not the strategy. Instead, the focus is on precision, timing, and taking what the defense offers. Additionally, Mendoza possesses enough mobility to gain critical yards and exhibits leadership traits that teams value. This combination makes Mendoza a bet on stability rather than chaos.
Round 1, No. 25: Denzel Boston, WR, Washington
The Raiders ought to draft Denzel Boston because the offense still lacks a true perimeter X who can win with size, body control and competitive toughness. Boston comes out of Washington’s pro-style system, with coaching that leans NFL in structure and usage, which lowers the projection risk. He plays mostly outside but can slide into the slot to force mismatches against smaller corners and nickel defenders.
Boston’s calling card is functional strength. The frame, length and physicality show up at the catch point and in the run game as a willing in-line blocker. That matters for an offense that wants to live in wide-zone and play action, where receivers have to block and then sell routes off the same looks. Boston also played through a late-season injury, which speaks to reliability.
The concerns are legitimate: Boston exhibits limited burst and a release package that struggles against press coverage. However, coaching can enhance these traits. Enhanced release techniques and greater route nuance could transform Boston into a reliable chain-mover and red-zone target—an ideal receiver who supports a young quarterback and helps maintain the offense’s rhythm.
If you’re considering trading Crosby, it makes sense to exchange him for a potential game-changing receiver to pair with Mendoza, right?
Round 2, No. 36: Dillon Thieneman, DB, Oregon
The Raiders drafting Dillon Thieneman would give the defense a safety who can do more than fill a spot. Thieneman brings range, instincts and physicality, with the versatility to line up at two-high, in the box, or at nickel. That flexibility matters for a secondary that has lacked stability and clean communication.
Thieneman thinks quickly. Quarterback reads come in early, and his processing speed helps him start downhill without having to guess. Smooth hips and controlled transitions make it possible to cover, whether you’re moving from two-high to the post or matching routes underneath.
The tone-setting piece is real. Thieneman tackles with force, hunts the football and competes at the catch point, arriving with timing to disrupt throws. Effort runs hot on every snap, chasing plays from depth and finishing.
In the end, the Raiders acquire a reliable and adaptable safety who enhances the overall performance of the defense and generates more opportunities for turnovers, regardless of the identity of the next defensive coordinator.
*Top Photo: Ramble Illustration/Getty Images
What a horrible take! Crosby is worth much more than 1 first round pick…at least 2 or 3! No way the Raiders trade him for such low value as you seem to think he’s worth.