Maxx Crosby finally got traded. He is going up north to the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens have a reputation for great defenses. However, adding Crosby could make that unit truly dominant.
How Maxx Crosby Makes the Baltimore Ravens an Elite Defense
Crosby will get coached by a very good defensive staff in Baltimore. Head Coach Jesse Minter comes from the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers received a B- grade for their defense by the PFSN NFL Defense Impact Metrics. Minter’s defensive prowess ranked 8th in the NFL.
Minter also has a similar scheme and background to Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald. Minter was chosen to be the successor to Macdonald at Michigan. As shown, Macdonald put together an elite defense that won the Super Bowl, so Minter could have a lot of success with his scheme in Baltimore.
Minter did a great job with edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu. Tuipulotu went from 8.5 sacks to 13 sacks from 2024 to 2025. So, with Minter’s great record with the Chargers’ defense and edge-rushing group, Crosby should thrive.
The Ravens hired Anthony Weaver as defensive coordinator. Weaver comes from the Miami Dolphins. Even though the Dolphins’ defense earned a D+ grade in the 2025 season, ranking 27th according to the PFSN NFL Defensive Impact metrics, it improved in the latter part of the season.
The Ravens also have a great defensive roster. Kyle Hamilton is not the only elite secondary player in the NFL; there are other elite defensive players as well. Hamilton is super versatile and can disrupt the run and pass game in multiple ways.
In addition to Hamilton, the Ravens have linebacker Roquan Smith. Smith did have a down year last season. However, Smith does have all the talents and traits to be a great linebacker and has shown it before. With Minter and Weaver’s great coaching, there is a good chance Smith returns to his All-Pro ways.
Crosby will be joining a talented defensive line. Defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike missed last season due to injury. However, in 2023 and 2024, Madubuike played well. He got a B+ and a B in 2023 and 2024, according to PFSN NFL DT Impact Metric.
Also on the line, the Ravens have Mike Green. Green did not produce a whole ton, but was great in college, as in the 2025 season, he had 17 sacks at Marshall.
Not only do the Ravens have a great roster, but adding Crosby could improve it. With Crosby’s great pass-rushing skills, he can cause immense pressure on opposing quarterbacks. With quarterbacks under pressure, it could lead to rushed throws, which could allow the Ravens’ secondary to feast.
Besides Hamilton, the Ravens also have a cornerback, Nate Wiggins. Wiggins had a good sophomore outing as he got a B grade according to PFSN NFL CB Impact Metric. Cornerback Marlon Humphrey is great at getting interceptions and could get a lot of picks with rushed throws.
When the Ravens have had elite defenses, such as in Super Bowl 35 (2001) and Super Bowl 47 (2013). In those seasons, they had elite linebackers and safeties play with Ray Lewis and Ed Reed. The Ravens have great linebackers and safeties in Smith and Hamilton, but adding Crosby gives the team a whole new angle on how dangerous they could be.
In conclusion, the Ravens’ defense should be one to fear for opposing units in the 2026 season.
