Oakland Raiders: 5 realistic expectations this season

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OAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 03: Khalil Mack #52 of the Oakland Raiders strips Geno Smith #3 of the New York Giants of the ball for a turnover during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 3, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Two double-digit sack guys

OK, for this one to come true, the Raiders would actually need stud defensive end Khalil Mack to end his holdout, which is now being whispered as he is going to be traded. There is no way the Raiders part ways with such a generational talent, especially with a move to Las Vegas on the horizon, so you can put all that noise to rest.

While Mack is basically a lock to get to ten or more sacks this season, his teammate, Bruce Irvin should be right there with him in 2018. Irvin is making a full-time move to the defensive end position, meaning he can get after the quarterback on nearly every play, which plays right into his strengths as a football player.

Mack and Irvin are an elite tandem on the outside of the Raiders defensive line, but the additions on the interior are going to help them immensely as well. Justin Ellis was inked to a new three-year deal, Mario Edwards Jr. has looked great moving to the inside, and rookies Maurice Hurst Jr. and PJ Hall are going to be impact players in year one.

Everybody in Raider Nation has loved the move to Paul Guenther as the team’s defensive coordinator, and he will play a big role in Mack and Irvin getting to at least ten sacks a piece. Oakland also has rookie Arden Key to deploy on passing downs, so this Raiders pass rush could be one of the best in the business in 2018.

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