Las Vegas Raiders rookie tells it like it is regarding a questionable situation that happened at minicamp

The Las Vegas Raiders drafted Keyron Crawford in the third round, shocking many people. Now, he’s on the sidelines during rookie minicamp on Saturday.

Justin Churchill — College Football & NFL Trending News Writer
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Las Vegas Raiders rookie defensive end edge rusher Keyron Crawford
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 surprised many people in the 2026 NFL Draft. They did so by drafting the amazing class they did, and by 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. And now, fans are even more upset, as he was seen standing on the sideline during rookie minicamp on Saturday.

“It was really just a heavy load from yesterday, so I just wanted to keep it safe and just get mental reps,” Crawford told reporters when asked why he was on the sideline.

Admittedly, I’m not sure that’s normal. A player who we all think is completely healthy is on the sideline all day. Then again, we aren’t sure if he’s fully healthy, but when he was asked, he said it wasn’t due to an injury. Regardless, Crawford needs the reps because there is still a lot to learn. Not all of it is on the field, either.

Crawford reveals what he is still figuring out as an NFL player

“I would say, it’s mainly just getting a routine, figuring out what works best for me, what time I should wake up, what time I need to be in the building,” Crawford said. “Also, just becoming disciplined with that is the main point.

“And just being able to be consistent with that is the main focus. So, just being able to have my routine and be consistent with that and discipline, I feel like I’d be in the best shape possible.”

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

Hopefully, Crawford sitting out on the sideline was nothing serious. He will need all of the reps he can get.

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