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Khalil Mack, 3 offensive linemen named to 2018 Pro Bowl from Raiders

By John Buhler

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)
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) /
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Rodney Hudson, Khalil Mack, Kelechi Osemele and Donald Penn were all named to the 2018 Pro Bowl to represent the AFC in Orlando this season.

While it has not been the best of seasons for the Oakland Raiders, the Silver and Black found out on Tuesday evening that four of their players have made the 2018 Pro Bowl. The four players representing the Raiders are center Rodney Hudson, defensive end Khalil Mack, left guard Kelechi Osemele and left tackle Donald Penn.

This is Hudson’s second Pro Bowl nod. He made his first Pro Bowl as a member of the Raiders last season. He has been one of the best centers in football since his arrive in Oakland in 2015. Hudson has been the most consistent offensive lineman on the 2017 Raiders.

Mack has been a dominating pass rusher in the AFC almost from day one. He makes his third trip to the Pro Bowl and could be in line to make his third consecutive All-Pro team for the Silver and Black. His spot on the AFC roster was never in question, as he is the Raiders’ best player.

Since arriving in Oakland last season, Osemele has been a monster at left guard for the Raiders. He is the mean streak that his offensive line thrives off. Though he may not be an All-Pro like he was a year ago, Osemele is the only Raider slated to start in the Pro Bowl. Osemele has become a model of consistency at left guard these last two seasons.

Finally, Penn will make it to his third career Pro Bowl and second in Raiders uniform. However, he will be unable to play in the Pro Bowl because he will have season-ending foot surgery on Thursday. Even in the twilight of his prime, Penn remains one of the best left tackles in football. It stinks he won’t be able to play in Orlando this winter.

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While many didn’t expect that four Raiders would be making it to the Pro Bowl, there are a few guys on the team that might have gotten snubbed. The biggest complaint might be to leading vote getter in terms of punters in Marquette King. He was booming some kicks earlier in the season, but didn’t make the cut this year. Maybe he gets in as a sub. Regardless, the Raiders are happy to have him.

After that, it’s a little farfetched to put another Raider on the Pro Bowl given that the team is 6-8 through 14 weeks. Running back Marshawn Lynch has a bunch of rushing touchdowns, but not the yardage to beat out guys like Le’Veon Bell or LeSean McCoy in the AFC.

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Overall, the Raiders should be thrilled to have four players make it to the Pro Bowl. We knew that Mack was going to make it for sure and probably Hudson. Seeing Osemele and Penn get in as well is a testament to the overall talent that is on this Oakland front-five. It’s a shame that this team only has six wins. Let’s try to finish the year on a high note and get to .500 at 8-8.

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