Nov 29, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Bulls linebacker Khalil Mack (46) waits for the snap against the Bowling Green Falcons at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie was spotted at University of Buffalo linebacker and defensive end Khalil Mack’s pro day in upstate New York. Mack is projected to be a top ten pick with draft experts like Mike Mayock ranking him as the best player in the draft. Despite playing in relative obscurity in Buffalo, Mack has impressed scouts with his size, stats, film, and today with his incredible speed.
At the NFL Combine, Mack ran an official 4.65 40 yard dash but he improved it dramatically at his pro day, albeit with this time with hand-timed results. Mack ran a 4.53-55 which matched fellow top defensive prospect Jadaveon Clowney and because of his production at Buffalo, he is considered a contender for the top pick.
In his career, Mack set University of Buffalo records for sacks (28.5) and Football Bowl Series (FBS) marks for tackles for loss with 75 and forced fumbles with 16. This production came at a lower competition level than Clowney who excelled in the SEC, but Mack has few doubters that think he cannot produce at an NFL level. There is a chance he falls to the Raiders at the 5th pick and some signs point to McKenzie snagging him early.
The Raiders have not drafted or featured a consistent pass rusher perhaps since Derrick Burgess. Lamarr Houston and Sio Moore showed flashes last year and if they can be paired with the 6’3″, 250 pound monster that is Khalil Mack, the Raiders pass rush could be among the league’s best. There is always the chance that he goes in picks one through four or the Raiders trade down, but if he is selected then he could make an instant impact for the Silver and Black.
If you like what you just read and are in to the other kind of football, check out Khaled’s Chelsea FC blog called The Pride of London.