Las Vegas Raiders: Top-25 players of the Derek Carr Era
By Brad Weiss
Las Vegas Raiders: Top-25 players of the Derek Carr Era
No. 1: Khalil Mack, DE (2014-2017)
So who takes home the No. 1 spot on our list? None other than the man who was taken in the first round of the same draft that the Raiders brought Derek Carr in the second. That man is Khalil Mack, who was a bonafide star for the Silver and Black from Day 1, putting together an incredible four-year run that may not be challenged by a defensive player for some time.
Mack finished third in the AP’s Defensive Rookie of the Year voting in 2014, but his play as a rookie was just the start of something special. In Year 2, Mack was named first-team All-Pro for the first time, but he was not just an All-Pro, he actually became the first player in NFL history to be named first-team All-Pro at two different positions in the same year.
In 2016, Mack would reach the pinnacle in terms of personal honors, as he was named Defensive Player of the Year. 2017 would be another productive season for Mack, as he racked up 10.5 sacks, but once Gruden arrived, it was clear his days with the Silver and Black were over.
Mack would be traded for some draft picks by Gruden after holding out, ending his tenure with the team in unceremonious fashion. However, he is one of the best players in team history and based on his production during his time with Derek Carr as his quarterback, the rightful owner of the No. 1 spot on our list.