Draft Profile Series: Khalil Mack
- Updated: April 21, 2014
As we approach the deepest NFL Draft in recent memory, I’ll give my breakdown and analysis of 75 top prospects in this year’s class. At the conclusion of this series, I will include my final overall and positional rankings, as well as my mock draft.
Khalil Mack, LB/DE, 6-2½, 251, Buffalo
Key stats: Had 327 tackles, 75 tackles for loss, 22 forced fumbles, four interceptions and two TDs in college career.
Strengths: Mack is thick, strong and mean, with no major weaknesses in his game. He can rush, drop in coverage, and is stout versus the run. His versatility is what sticks out. He could play end in a 4-3, outside linebacker in a 3-4, or middle linebacker in either defense. … He has tremendous technique and functional strength when rushing the quarterback or taking on linemen in the running game. Is a powerful tackler who strikes through ball carriers. … Can beat linemen with speed or power and has a knack for stripping the quarterback. Mack is a disruptive force all over the field.
Weaknesses: It’s really difficult to find a major flaw in his game. Sometimes he overpursues the play or doesn’t take the perfect angle. Also needs to come up with some counter pass rush moves instead of relying on overpowering or outrunning the competition. But, this is very nitpicky stuff on my part.
Conclusion: The only question you hear from critics about this kid is: whether he would have dominated the competition if he played in a major conference? Watching the tape of his impressive effort last September at Ohio State, when he recorded 9 tackles, 2.5 sacks and a pick-six, should provide that answer to his critics. Mack has a high floor and very high ceiling, so it would be shocking if Mack didn’t become, at least, a very good NFL player.
NFL comparison(s): Von Miller/Ahmad Brooks.
Draft projection: Top-5 selection.
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