3 Raiders that would be great Vegas Golden Knights players
With another Battle For Vegas contest wrapping up, it's time to have some fun with this event. Here are three Raiders stars that would be great for the Vegas Golden Knights if an NHL/NFL crossover happened.
There's nothing more fun in the summertime than going to the ballpark. The food is top-notch, the atmosphere is relaxing, and the views are incredible. It makes for a calming experience for regular people looking to take their minds off their stressful lives. But there's more to the hot temperatures and ballpark food that make this a good time.
There's also the Battle For Vegas, a matchup between the two most prominent sports teams in Las Vegas. The Vegas Golden Knights and Las Vegas Raiders battle one another for bragging rights in the city with a softball game. On top of that, it helps a good cause, with this year's contest benefiting Best Buddies.
This year's installment saw the Golden Knights win decisively, 30-17. The team, led by Jack Eichel, had help from old and new faces alike. Brendan Brisson and Ryan Reaves were noteworthy names appearing on Vegas's team, helping them clinch a victory.
But let's look on the other side and imagine a bizarre scenario. Say Gary Bettman and Roger Goodell come up with a cross-promotion that allows NFL players to play hockey. They would get their start when their respective NFL team's eliminated (meaning the Islanders would get New York Jets stars in January).
Wouldn't that be an interesting scenario? How would this look for the Golden Knights? Who are the three Raiders stars that would don the gold and black on the ice? Here are the three football players that would make for great hockey players for Vegas.
Gardner Minshew, quarterback
First, Gardner Minshew has the look of a prototypical hockey player. He has a mustache and long, flowing hair. The Washington State alum made his cut impersonating a stereotypical "Florida Man" with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Fans loved him during his Jaguars days and he expects to bring that same passion to Sin City.
He stands 6'1" and weighs 225 lbs., so he would be a two-way center. The quarterback seems like he'd put up good offensive numbers while adding some checking on the defensive end. The Raiders quarterback could come in clutch with his versatile play.
Gardner Minshew has it all, from the look to the grittiness. The Golden Knights could use as much scoring depth as possible this season. Plus, he might help Vegas with their power play, which has plagued them since the franchise's inception. He'd probably find a way to add the air raid offense to hockey, convincing Bruce Cassidy that it's a good idea.
Maxx Crosby, defensive end
The Vegas Golden Knights have prided themselves on building a stout blue line that could stop any opposing offense. Their philosophy is emphasizing the forecheck through various means, whether that's delivering punishing checks or stealing the puck.
Defensive end Maxx Crosby would be a nice addition to that blue line, for he knows something about hitting people. During his Las Vegas Raiders tenure, he's totaled 52 sacks and 321 combined tackles. The Eastern Michigan University alum has made his living off crunching quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, making their lives miserable.
The defensive end would bring a physical bite to the forecheck, delivering brutal hip checks to unsuspecting opponents. Mix in speed and agility and he would fit in with Vegas easily. Yes, the Golden Knights have plenty of defensemen in the mix now. But there are other reasons why he'd fit.
He's 6'5" and 255 lbs., which would make him a solid addition defensively. Crosby and Nic Hague would be tough to surpass, for they have both size and speed. Imagine being Connor Bedard and seeing the two towering defensemen standing before you. Now that's a frightening sight.
Davante Adams, wide receiver
A complete contrast to Maxx Crosby is wide receiver Davante Adams. The six-time Pro Bowler has made his living cutting awe-inspiring routes and fooling defenders. He carries a keen football sense that makes him stand out. As a result, he's become a matchup nightmare for any cornerback facing him.
During his illustrious career, he's caught 872 passes for 10,781 yards and 95 touchdowns. Adams has carved out a name for being one of the best wideouts in the NFL, using his football intelligence to get to the top. That's why he was revered during his time in Green Bay and that's why that's carried over to the Raiders.
If Davante Adams was a hockey player, he'd be a winger. That could translate to scoring goals and dictating the offense, considering he had fantastic numbers during his NFL career. In a perfect world, Adams would be on the top line, running the rush with Jack Eichel and Ivan Barbashev. It always helps to have a good sidekick when putting up points, which is where the wide receiver would come in.
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