Las Vegas Raiders to Play Without Top Stars in High-Stakes Battle for No. 1 Draft Pick

The Las Vegas Raiders will be without two of their biggest stars in Sunday’s matchup that could determine who secures the No. 1 overall pick in next April’s NFL Draft.

The New York Giants travel west for a clash between two 2–13 teams. New York currently holds the top draft spot but would surrender it to Las Vegas if the Raiders come out on top.

Tight end Brock Bowers was placed on injured reserve earlier this week, ending his rookie season. Soon after, star defensive end Maxx Crosby was ruled out with a lingering knee issue.

According to Fox Sports NFL insider Jay Glazer, Crosby left the Raiders’ facility after strongly disagreeing with the team’s decision to shut him down for the final two games. Despite the injury, the Pro Bowler—selected to five straight—had played in all of Las Vegas’ 15 games this season and recorded 10 sacks.

Crosby told reporters earlier this week that he doesn’t concern himself with draft positioning. “My job is to be the best defensive end in the world,” he said. “That’s what I focus on every day—being a great leader, setting an example, and performing at the highest level. The rest is out of my control.”

With the top pick, the Raiders would have the chance to target this year’s best quarterback prospect, as Geno Smith doesn’t appear to be their long-term solution. Meanwhile, the Giants seem confident in Jaxson Dart as their future under center, making a trade-down scenario likely if they retain the No. 1 pick.