The Las Vegas Raiders made a surprising roster move during minicamp that increases rookie Keyron Crawford's chances of playing time this season. Initially drafted in the third round, Crawford's role is now expected to expand despite earlier doubts about his immediate impact.
May 2, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Keyron Crawford (42) speaks during a news conference at the team's Rookie Minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images Candice Ward-Imagn Images
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 bytaking 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.
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.
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.
The Raiders made a significant roster move during minicamp that opened up more playing time for rookie Keyron Crawford.
Crawford was selected in the third round despite the Raiders having more pressing needs, leading to questions about the decision.
The decision during minicamp has made it more likely that Crawford will see increased playing time in his rookie season.
Tobias Harris scored 30 points, including 19 in the first half, leading Detroit to victory in Game 7 against Orlando. Cade Cunningham also contributed significantly, extending the lead in the second half.
Lionel Messi congratulates Kimi Antonelli after his Miami GP victory!
Chase Elliott holds off Denny Hamlin to win Texas NASCAR Cup race!
Tigers' Verlander Feels Ready to Take Rehab to Next Level
NFL exec questions if Giants got the better of Bengals in Lawrence trade
UFC Perth Highlights: Prates TKO's Della Maddalena, Salkilld Wins
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
Crawford played 47 career games in college, with two years at Arkansas State and two at Auburn.
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.