Khalil Mack is only 24 years old. He has played just two professional seasons, yet it’s already clear Mack is a superstar in the making and one of the most talented edge defenders in Raiders history.
That’s a mouthful for someone so young, but it’d be hard to contest given his raw physical skills and impact made since Mack was taken No. 5 overall in the 2014 NFL draft.
His rookie year earned the NFL’s respect, with dominant play seen more on film than the stat sheet. Mack’s latest effort was impossible to ignore, flashing power and speed while collecting 77 tackles, 15 sacks, 23 total tackles for losses, two forced fumbles and two passes defensed over 1,021 snaps. In an amazing, often-overlooked display of consistency, Mack missed four tackles all season long.
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Mack was a defensive anchor, playing 87.2 percent of Raiders defensive snaps while most position mates missed time. Justin Tuck played five games before a torn pectoral muscle took him out for the season. Aldon Smith played eight and then got suspended a calendar year. Mario Edwards Jr. was shut down early with a neck injury, Denico Autry had concussion issues and Justin Ellis battled ankle ailments.
Mack kept on producing from a variety of spots. He was more of a standup linebacker when Smith was heavily involved, with a 3-4 defensive alignment better suiting his skill set. After that Mack dropped down more consistently – though he still moved around some – and found a quality linemate in Edwards Jr.
That’s why, this offseason, Mack made history. He was the first player named first-team All-Pro at two different positions. He was of the NFL’s best defensive ends, and one of its best outside linebackers. The Pro Football Writers of America agreed, bestowing the same honor with their All-NFL squad this week.
He’s a defensive coordinator’s dream, with enough skill to play several positions and help a unit where needed most.
NFL
An edge defender does a lot more than sack the quarterback but, for better or worse, those totals spark interest from the average fan. During a Week 13 victory over Denver, the whole country took notice. Mack had five sacks, including a strip sack that resulted in a safety. He was talk of the league that week, as everyone saw what coaches lauded on game film since his college.
After that night, Mack couldn’t fly under the radar anymore. He wasn’t veiled by a small school’s exposure or Raiders team struggles.
That’s a good thing for this team. The Raiders earned respect this season, but still long to be relevant. Mack helps them do that regardless of record. He gives instant credibility to a defense because he can shut down an offense on his own. He’s fun to watch, even if the Raiders aren’t your thing.
Mack stays out of trouble and works insatiably. He has a kilowatt smile, though his voice barely rises above a mumble. That might keep him from becoming a national pitchman, but he’ll be consistently recognized among the league’s best defenders.
That hasn’t happened recently for a franchise with feared defenders littering its distant past. The list of top-flight defenders is short. Nnamdi Ashomuga was a human blanket. Derrick Burgess had three good years rushing the passer as a Raider. Richard Seymour was a two-time Pro Bowler player in Oakland.
Mack could well be the next Howie Long, which is lofty praise indeed. The Hall-of-Fame player had the size, speed agility Mack has flashed, and was an eight-time Pro Bowler in 13 seasons with the Raiders.
In order to fit that billing, Mack will have to be around a while. The Raiders are in position to do that. They’re set up well with the salary cap and should stay that way a while, keeping in good cap standing to give Mack a worthy extension when the time comes.
Assuming he stays healthy and sticks around, Mack could be one of the best Raiders in quite some time.