Establishing Keyron Crawford's Role in Raiders' Rebuild

The Las Vegas Raiders used free agency and the NFL Draft to quickly address several of their most pressing roster issues on both sides of the ball. Those issues went beyond just the starters on offense and defense, as Las Vegas has lacked depth across the board for many seasons now.

Raiders general manager John Spytek added several rookies who will begin the 2026 season in a reserve role, but will likely have a chance to make an impact. Rookie edge rusher Keyron Crawford is one of those players, as he is undeniably talented, but also needs further development.

Las Vegas has long had one of its defensive end positions solidified by veteran Maxx Crosby. However, they have failed to find many consistent options at their other defensive end position, let alone at the reserve edge-rushing positions. They hope Crawford helps eliminate that need.

Crawford's Development

Crawford's addition is, on paper, a quiet but critical part of the Raiders' defensive rebuild. So much so that the Raiders let go of veteran defensive end Charles Snowden shortly after drafting Crawford, even though Snowden played significant minutes in recent seasons.

Like most rookies finishing up their first training camp in the league, Crawford still has a ways to go to be fully prepared physically and mentally for his rookie season. Raiders defensive line coach Travis Smith recently shared his thoughts on where Crawford's development stands.

"He's done a great job. He came in, he's played in a couple different schools. Obviously, he came in right now completely raw, just like any of the other rookies. There's some things we moved him around, like we talked about the flexibility of multiple positions early,” Smith said following training camp.

“We're kind of finalizing, but settling him in his one position along with the other guys, too. So, he's been phenomenal. He's one of those guys that's very hungry, eager to learn, stays after, is early, asking questions, shooting late night texts, sending videos off the iPad. So, he's another guy that, within the whole group, is a very, very, very fun and competitive group to coach because all they do is compete every day. It doesn't matter the drill."

Crawford's Role

Crawford still has a lot to prove, as Las Vegas has essentially figured out its starters along the defensive line. The rookie has also been a little banged up in training camp. As the preseason and regular season ramp up, Las Vegas needs Crawford to stay healthy and produce.

Smith elaborated on Crawford's role entering the season.

Jun 3, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Rob Leonard speaks during a news conference during organized team activities at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

"For sure, he's on the edge right now. He's one of our edge defenders. He plays both sides. He's going to be setting the edge with a point of attack,” Smith said.

“He's going to be an edge rusher when we get into pass rush situations. He's competing in that group with Maxx [Crosby], Kwity [Paye], Malcolm [Koonce], Cian [Slone], Patrick [Johnson], Rasta [Jahfari Harvey], and B-Jack [Brennan Jackson], and he's doing a really good job."

Moving forward, the Raiders' defense is following the lead of Smith and defensive coordinator Rob Leonard. This should mean vast changes for a Raiders defense that has lacked talent in recent seasons, but received an additional wave of talent throughout the offseason.

As the Raiders transition to a 3-4 defense, they will continue to search for edge rushers who are fast and physical, like Crawford has the potential to be. Smith noted that despite the change in Las Vegas' base defense, Crawford and the rest of the edge rushers' jobs are basically the same.

“When it comes down to it, it's really not that different. They're setting edges at the point of attack, they might have a little stunt footwork, hit some line movement. Their CBR chase players on the backside of runs, and then they have to win one-on-ones and make sure they're disciplined in their rush lanes when they're rushing,” Smith said.

“So, it's all about how we make the complex simple as a staff and as coaches, but what the bottom line comes down to is this position is hard, and how hard the man plays, which will make up for any other little thing or complexity of a system that we give them."

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