Prior to the 2014 NFL draft, I had Khalil Mack rated as my #1 prospect in the entire draft. I’m thankful for that 
because he has done nothing but prove me right. In a great draft class some were skeptical of Mack because he played for Buffalo and did not play against the top competition often. Unfortunately for Mack, he can’t control where he plays, and I’m sure that factored into the decisions that ultimately landed him at the #5 spot, a dream come true for the Oakland Raiders.
Mack had four years of productive college seasons. Staying healthy and continuing to improve, Mack set records for his own school and NCAA records. Upon completion of his college career, Mack set Buffalo records for most tackles for loss (75), most sacks (28.5), and most forced fumbles (16). The tackles for loss and forced fumbles were actually NCAA records as well. Mack had excellent measurements and preformed admirably at the NFL combine cementing his status as one of the top prospects in the upcoming draft. Finally, as draft day came and went, Khalil Mack “slipped” to the Raiders and was selected with the #5 pick in the draft.
Khalil Mack was immediately thrusted into the starting line-up for the Raiders defense and spent majority of his rookie season lined up at outside linebacker. A very productive rookie year ended in Mack landing at #3 in the defensive rookie of the year voting and excellent stats that included 76 tackles, 4 sacks, and 1 forced fumble. Entering his second season Mack played more of a defensive end role ensuring he would have more opportunities to rush the passer, and boy did it ever work. Mack ended his second season in the NFL with 77 tackles, 15 sacks, and 2 forced fumbles. That resulted in a pro bowlberth, as well as being named to the AP All-Pro first team. Not only that, Mack became the first player in history to be named to the All-Pro first team for two different positions in the same year. He also set the Oakland Raiders franchise record of 5 sacks in one game.
Let’s take a look at Khalil Mack against the Broncos. Mack lines up at right Defensive End and simply overpowers the left tackle with an extremely powerful bull rush also evading the Running Back on the chip block to sack the QB.
(Photo from www.silverandblackpride.com)
In the same game Khalil Mack shows that he’s not just a one trick pony. On this play he lines up at left Defensive End and simply uses his speed rush to evade the Right Tackle and once again, take the QB down for the sack.
(Photo from www.silverandblackpride.com)
On this play Mack is lined up at right Defensive End against Patriots Left Tackle Nate Solder where he abuses Solder with the patented Dwight Freeney spin move leaving the Tackle on the floor.
(Video from www.justblogbaby.com)
Here is the final play where Mack proves he isn’t just a pass rusher, but also a dominant run stopper. He blows Rob Gronkowski back with a push and disregards him to make the tackle on the Running Back in the backfield for a loss of yards.
(Video from www.justblogbaby.com)
Khalil Mack is well on his way to becoming one of the best defensive players of the decade. His game is as complete as they come and his career trajectory only seems to be pointing up. The Raiders made an excellent selection with Mack and they are reaping the rewards as Mack destroys opponents backfields.
