How Maxx Crosby Fits in the Raiders’ New 3-4 Defense — And Why the Panic Is Overblown

PLAYERS TO WATCH AT THE COMBINE

A TAILOR-MADE VIEWING GUIDE OF PROSPECTS FOR RAIDER NATION

The Combine is here — and it’s about more than just 40 times. In our latest episode of the Silver & Black Sports Network Podcast, we break down the key prospects Raider Nation should be watching closely in Indy and how the Raiders’ shift to a 3-4 defense could impact the type of players they target. We also connect the dots on what Klint Kubiak said about the offensive line and how that could shape their draft strategy. If you want to watch the Combine with a Raiders-specific lens, this episode will get you ready.

WHAT’S THE 3-4 BASE DEFENSE MEAN FOR MAXX?

When Klint Kubiak said the Raiders are transitioning to a 3-4 base defense, a lot of people immediately jumped to one conclusion: that must mean Maxx Crosby is gone.

I get it. Maxx has been a 4-3 defensive end for most of his career, and nobody wants to see him dropping into coverage as a stand-up outside linebacker. But that reaction feels a bit over the top.

For starters, base defense just isn’t what it used to be. Yes, base usage ticked up about 6% last season, but league-wide average base usage was still only 29.6%. That means sub packages are on the field 60–70% of the time. Nickel is the real “base” in today’s NFL. So you’re likely to see plenty of 3-3-5 and 4-2-5 looks out of the Raiders anyway.

The other key piece here is Kubiak’s full quote:

The important part to note here is that he said he also expects them to play from four-down fronts, too. Noting that he thinks Rob Leonard can be very multiple in his approach with their defensive fronts and alignments. Nearly every coach says they want to be multiple, but coming out and saying you're going to be a 3-4 defense in today's world is just another way of powering that point home. In a 3-4 defense, it's typically easier to disguise what the defense is trying to do because the offense has to work harder to figure out where the fourth rusher will be coming from. Plus, it can also allow for more creativity in your blitz packages, too.

Now, what about the snaps when they are in base?

29.6% isn’t a huge number, but it’s not nothing either. If you’re worried about how Maxx fits, look back at 2022. Patrick Graham ran a 3-4 base that year, and Maxx had 12.5 sacks — the second-most in a single season in his career. Former Raiders offensive lineman Marshall Newhouse even chimed in on X, echoing the idea that this isn’t some massive schematic overhaul or something he wouldn't thrive in.

Long story short: this doesn’t drastically change things for Maxx — if he’s still a Raider next season. When they’re in 3-4, he’ll likely just rush from a wider alignment, something he’s thrived at before. That only amplifies his speed and quickness off the edge. And for those worried about coverage drops? Even in a 3-4, he’ll probably be rushing the quarterback 95% of the time.

If you want more on who I actually think benefits most from the switch, check out the “Required Reading” section below or watch the latest podcast linked above. I dive into how Tyree Wilson — and potentially Malcolm Koonce, if he’s back — could fit into this new 3-4 base defense.

REQUIRED READING

With the Raiders shifting to a 3-4 base defense, I went down the rabbit hole looking at how some of the guys already under contract fit that style — and I came across a great piece from Pats Pulpit on Adam Butler’s role in New England’s 3-4 defense back in 2019.

It’s a deep dive into how the Patriots moved him all across the defensive line and got a lot of production out of him on a really good defense. Adam has said more than once that he’s tired of being labeled as “underrated,” and I get it. He deserves more respect. If you’ve been hesitant to give him his flowers, this might change your mind. He’s got real experience with Rob Leonard, and I think he’s one of the biggest beneficiaries of the move to a 3-4.

MISS ANYTHING?

Catch up on some of our recent stories:

LOOKING AT THE LBs AND DL FROM THURSDAY

For a full breakdown of all the guys I’m watching at the NFL Combine, check out the latest podcast at the top of this newsletter. But now that on-field work is underway, here’s how a few of the defensive linemen and linebackers I mentioned performed.

DL / DT

Illinois – Gabe Jacas
He didn’t run the 40 and won’t participate in positional drills in Indy, which is a bit of a letdown. He’s a guy with serious play strength, so it would’ve been nice to see how he tested.

Texas Tech – Lee Hunter
Hunter had a strong showing on Day 1. At 6’3.5”, 318 pounds, he clocked a 5.18 in the 40, jumped 21.5" in the vertical, and posted an 8’4" broad jump. In drills, he flashed impressive footwork for his size and wasn’t shy about showing personality when the cameras found him. Daniel Jeremiah even tossed out a comp to Cowboys defensive lineman Kenny Clark.

Georgia – Christen Miller
Miller didn’t participate in drills Thursday, but he remains an intriguing prospect. He lined up all over Georgia’s defensive front and looks like an early Day 2 type as the process continues.

Ohio State – Kayden McDonald
McDonald is a run-stuffer, plain and simple. He earned PFF’s top run-defense grade (92.0) among 887 interior defensive linemen. He didn’t run the 40 — and if he’s sprinting 40 yards in a game, something has gone very wrong (or very right). At 6’2”, 326 pounds, he went through drills and showed solid movement skills, even if he is a bit of a short-stepper.

LBs

Cincinnati – Jake Golday
Golday put together a solid testing day for a bigger linebacker (6’4”, 239). He ran a 4.60 (9th), posted a 39.50" vertical (T-4th), and tied for third in the broad jump. Not a bad day at the office.

Texas Tech – Jacob Rodriguez
Rodriguez needed to test well as a slightly undersized linebacker — and he did just that. Entering as a potential second-rounder, he likely helped himself with a 4.61 40 (10th among LBs), a 38.50” vertical (T-7th), and a 10’1" broad jump (10th).

Pitt – Kyle Louis
Louis absolutely crushed Day 1, finishing top four in the main drills: 4.54 40-yard dash (4th), 39.50” vertical (T-4th), and a 10’9" broad jump (2nd). He definitely turned some heads.

ICYMI: COMBINE PREVIEW WITH VINNY BONSIGNORE

The Combine always gives us clues — and this week’s episode is packed with them. After breaking down John Spytek’s media session, we brought in Vinny Bonsignore to connect the dots on how the Raiders could attack free agency and the draft at key spots. Vinny offers real insight into how the organization views the offensive line, why Rick Dennison’s presence matters more than people realize, and whether the team believes improvement can come from within or if major reinforcements are coming. He also touches on linebacker fits, potential draft targets, and how the front office may balance immediate needs with long-term roster construction. If you want a clearer picture of how this offseason could unfold, this one’s worth the watch.

FANSHOTZ FRIDAY

“FanShotz Friday”

By now, you have seen the phenomenal photos we’ve been using in many of our newsletters. They’re some of the best shots you’ll find of your favorite team, captured through the lens of our friend Arnie Bazemore of Fanshotz.com. Every Friday, we’ll feature Arnie’s favorite Raiders shot of the week that he captures at practice or on game day.

This week, we’re featuring a shot Arnie snagged of Jackson Powers-Johnson during training camp last year. It was a roller-coaster season for JPJ — for all the wrong reasons. The previous regime wasn’t sold on him, but it doesn’t sound like Klint Kubiak sees it that way.

When Kubiak met with local media at the Combine, he was quick to praise the former second-round pick:

We’ll see where he ultimately lines up (my guess is he stays at guard), but it doesn’t feel like there will be the same drama surrounding him this season. JPJ is a player — and it sounds like Kubiak sees that, too.

Check out Arnie’s work at his site linked above and reach out if you’re interested in working with him. He’s a great guy and has been so supportive of me over the years when I was at NBC here in Vegas, and he’s come along for the ride with Silver & Black Sports Network, too.

WHAT’S NEXT?

The defensive linemen and linebackers hit the field yesterday, but the Combine really ramps up through the weekend. Mendoza takes the podium today, while the defensive backs and tight ends go through on-field work. Saturday brings the running backs, quarterbacks not named Fernando Mendoza, and wide receivers, before the offensive linemen close things out Sunday and Monday.

As for us? We’ll be watching it all and breaking it down throughout the weekend — then dropping a Combine recap on Tuesday morning’s podcast. Keep an eye out for it.

Catch ya next time,