Just Blog Baby 2014 NFL Mock Draft: Round One
By Chase Ruttig
Nov 29, 2013; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Bulls linebacker Khalil Mack (46) makes a tackle on Bowling Green Falcons running back William Houston (32) during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bowling Green beat Buffalo 24 to 7. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
#5 Oakland Raiders: Khalil Mack, OLB Buff
Rory’s Take: I still believe the Raiders are a candidate to trade down and I am not sold that Clowney, Mack, or Watkins will be on the board at 5, but in this case the Raiders get a highly talented linebacker that would likely play Sam because he has exceptional coverage skills while also having the versatility to blitz/rush the passer.
Chase’s Take: I have said many times that the Oakland Raiders should remain in the Top 5 of this draft and landing Mack is probably the most likely scenario for him. The small school stud is most likely going to be for the taking of either the Browns or the Raiders by my estimations and it is hard to envision a scenario where a team would be willing to trade up for Mack should he fall to five with most of the rumors indicating teams are mostly interested in trading up for either Sammy Watkins or potentially Mike Evans. Landing the second best pass rusher in the draft and one that dominated Ohio State on tape to raise his draft stock, the Raiders would be satisfied in landing Mack at #5.