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Raiders made a significant but shocking roster move during minicamp that completely changes one rookie's first season
The Las Vegas Raiders just freed up more playing time for rookie defensive end/edge rusher Keyron Crawford.
The Las Vegas Raiders surprised many people in the 2026 NFL Draft. They did so by drafting the amazing class they did, and byΒ taking Keyron Crawford in the third round.
It didn't shock people because he's a bad player who shouldn't have been taken in the third round. He's a great player who could have been taken late in the second. It shocked people because the Raiders had far more pressing needs on their board, with players available who could fill them. Instead, they went with an edge rusher who likely won't even play the most at his position, at least, not until the end of the year. Well, that was the initial thought. Now, his path to playing more just got a bit easier.
Raiders announced the following roster moves:
β Sam Warren (@samwarren83) May 3, 2026
Signed S Devyn Perkins, OT Niklas Henning, TE Patrick Gurd, OT Kamar Missouri
Waived DE Charles Snowden, OG McClendon Curtis, TE Matt Lauter and OG Layden Robinson
On Saturday, the Raiders made a flurry of roster moves. They signed S Devyn Perkins, OT Niklas Henning, TE Patrick Gurd, and OT Kamar Missouri. Then, they waived DE Charles Snowden, OG McClendon Curtis, TE Matt Lauter, and OG Layden Robinson. The surprising one here is Snowden, who started 18 games for the Raiders over the last two seasons.
This comes as a surprise because you'd think they would just keep him as depth. Given his experience, he could be a great depth piece. But this opens up playing time for Crawford, who can be a legit pass rush ace on defense.
Kayron Crawford has insane potential as a pass rusher
Crawford's path to football was unconventional; he didn't start playing until his senior year of high school. Despite that, last year, many considered him a more promising prospect than teammate Keldrick Faulk, a first-round pick. He has insane potential, and tools the Raiders could tap into even this year.
Keyron Crawford's 2025 stats at Auburn
Crawford played 47 career games in college, with two years at Arkansas State and two at Auburn.
- 1 INT, 1 FR, 1 FF
- 36 tackles (9.5 TFLs)
- 5.5 sacks
Over the past two seasons, Crawford's pass rush win rates increased-from 15.8% on 152 snaps in 2024 to 19.7% on 240 snaps in 2025-ranking just behind Rueben Bain, David Bailey, Romello Height, Akheem Mesidor, and Derrick Moore, according to Tristen Kuhn. These numbers help explain why the Raiders are so high on him. Now, there is one less person standing in his way.
