The cancelled Maxx Crosby trade from the Las Vegas Raiders to the Baltimore Ravens affects many things with the team, including the upcoming NFL draft.
The Raiders were going to get the No. 14 overall draft pick from the Ravens in the 2026 draft and a 2027 first-rounder as well.
As a result, the Raiders, who won the No. 1 overall pick, were going to have the most draft capital in the 2026 draft and the most in recent memory. Yes, they still have plenty of draft capital, the trade hurts it.
Losing the 20-27 pick also hurts because that draft is expected to be very strong. Also, it gave the Raiders a lot of flexibility. Having four first-round picks in two years is powerful. That is now gone.
If the Raiders had the No.1 4 pick, they would have the flexibility to trade way up un the 2026 draft to pair a top prospect with expected No.1 overall pick, quarterback Fernando Mendoza. They also could have traded down from No. 14 to compile picks.
That all went away with the Ravens scuttling the draft.
The Raiders will still be position to improve in the draft, but the downside of this is, the rebuild won’t be as fueled by the extra draft picks as expected.
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