Oakland Raiders: 5 best defensive players heading into the bye

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OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 08: Khalil Mack No. 52 of the Oakland Raiders in action against the Baltimore Ravens at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 8, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Defensive End. Buffalo Bulls. Khalil Mack. 1. player. 28.

The only Pro Bowler on this defense, and maybe on this entire 2017 Raiders team, is none other than reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year in defensive end Khalil Mack. While he’s not going to get anywhere close to the 30 quarterback sacks he wanted for himself this year, Mack has been sensational in terms of his PFF grade.

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Pro Football Focus gives Mack an outstanding 91.2 overall grade. He has been dominant in the pass rush with an 87.5 grade, but he’s been even better in run defense. Mack has been a total game changer in run defense, as he has an unbelievable 92.8 run grade. For a guy known as a pass rusher coming off the edge, he has successfully pivoted his game this season.

On the year, Mack has 46 combined tackles, 4.5 quarterback sacks and a pass breakup. He still has a shot at getting to double digits in the sack department, but Mack is not going to repeat as Defensive Player of the Year this season. Mack is no doubt going to his third straight Pro Bowl. He might even get an All-Pro nod for all we know.

Next: Raiders: 5 best offensive players heading into the bye

The best thing the Raiders have going for them in the second half defensively is that Mack hasn’t begun to devour the opposing quarterback just yet. If he can take down a few more quarterbacks in the next few weeks, Mack will get back to being a top-five player in football. He’s still the best player Oakland has to offer this year.

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