Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers was named to the NFL’s Top 100 list at No. 60 this week, despite a knee injury hampering his second season. Raiders star edge rusher and team captain Maxx Crosby also sent a strong message on his podcast. 

Crosby responded to Bowers being ranked No. 60 in the NFL Top 100 players voting list.

"Brock is a top-10 player in the league, and I think he's going to be in that top 10 here soon," Crosby said on The Rush with Maxx Crosby podcast on July 21, 2026. 

Crosby's belief is built on what he's watched in person, crediting Bowers' natural talent and work ethic as the practice-field evidence behind his top-10 claim.

"From the day he got there, you watched him move and catch the ball, and the game comes very easily to him," he further added on the podcast.

The praise is backed by production.

Despite dealing with a knee injury during his second season, Bowers remained one of the Raiders' most reliable offensive weapons, finishing the 2025 campaign with 64 receptions for 687 yards and seven touchdowns.

Crosby noted that only rivaling players get to vote for the Top 100 players and that players who view Bowers on film end up voting on the list. He noted that it is an honor because it is not established through the media.

Among tight ends, Bowers' No. 60 ranking places him firmly in the conversation with the league's top players.

While established stars such as George Kittle and Trey McBride would probably be ranked much higher, Bowers' production at just 23 years old suggests he is already closing that gap.

Coming from a captain just before training camp, the remark reinforces the larger point Crosby was making with his Top 100 comments, that Bowers is emerging as a foundational piece for the Raiders heading into the season.

Once training camp begins, that captain's voice will hold extra weight, as this year, the Raiders' story begins with Crosby himself.

Raiders open training camp with Maxx Crosby's health as the big storyline

Las Vegas camp runs July 29- Aug 29 at the Intermountain Health Performance Center. One major storyline is the recovery of the All-Pro edge rusher.

A healthy Crosby also benefits the Raiders beyond the defensive side of the ball. As the team's captain, his presence sets the standard during training camp, creating the competitive environment that can help young stars like Bowers continue their rapid development entering the 2026 season.

Crosby almost became a Baltimore Raven this offseason.

The trade failed, and he went back to Vegas. After Crosby underwent offseason knee surgery, which caused him to sit out the entire offseason program, he stated during his rehab that he felt great and was ahead of schedule, according to ESPN.

His durability will likely lead to different treatment from Las Vegas this year. With Kwity Paye in and Malcolm Koonce back, the Raiders have solid depth at edge.

For the first time in ages, Kubiak's staff can manage Crosby's snap count. He most likely would not be managed, but protecting Crosby's prime years would be the best option.

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Written by

Abhay Bharti

Edited by

Kalp Thaker