Maxx Crosby Was 'Begging' Raiders to Draft Jalen Carter

In the 2023 NFL Draft, the Las Vegas Raiders chose defensive end Tyree Wilson with their No. 7 pick, while the Philadelphia Eagles took Jalen Carter with the ninth overall selection. Carter, a standout defensive player, won the Defensive Rookie of the Year award in his first season and earned consecutive Pro Bowl nods. Following the draft, Carter inked a substantial four-year, $152 million contract extension with the Eagles.

The Eagles' star pass rusher, Maxx Crosby, expressed his intense desire to have Carter on the team during the 2023 draft. Crosby, in a recent NFL Top 100 interview, admitted he "was begging and pleading" for the Raiders to select Carter at No. 7. He disclosed that Raiders interim defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli was "calling me every day" to push for Carter's selection.

Marinelli's persistent efforts, Crosby explained, convinced him to sit down with Carter and the Raiders' front office to ensure his inclusion in the building. Crosby praised Carter's disruptive style, emphasizing his intimidating will to overpower opponents, highlighting the fear his strength and aggression evoke in interior lineman. The Eagles are set to kick off their season against the Washington Commanders on September 13.