With the 5th Pick of the 2014 NFL Draft, The Raiders Select: Khalil Mack
- Updated: May 8, 2014
Khalil Mack taken by the Oakland Raiders at five.
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.
Why This Works: The Raiders are aggressively building up their defense with the signings of Antonio Smith, Justin Tuck and Lamarr Woodley. Now, Mack helps the Raiders sew up their linebacking corps with even more talent. The Raiders are going defense as their bargaining chip for AFC West supremacy.
Draft Grade: A+ – A quality pick, very cerebral and visceral.
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