Khalil Mack vs Jadeveon Clowney For 2014 NFL Draft’s Best

September 14, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Khalil Mack (52) against Houston Texans tight end Garrett Graham (88) during the second quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Texans defeated the Raiders 30-14. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Circumstances

He plays end in the nickel package but Mack is a 4-3-base linebacker on a team that blitzes less than most teams in the NFL. So he doesn’t get the attempts your typical pass rusher gets yet he’s among the league’s leaders in quarterback pressures and hits. Also, I’ve seen Mack get chipped by a running back then get blind-sided by the left guard while engaged with the left tackle and Last time I checked, that’s a triple-team.

Meanwhile, Clowney is left one-on-one with opposing teams more worried about J.J. Watt. Clowney also has Brian Cushing coming off the opposite edge so opposing offenses don’t even slide the protection his way. And let’s not forget that Clowney plays in the base 3-4 so he has many more opportunities to rush the passer.