Khalil Mack drawing comparisons to Lawrence Taylor

Dec 21, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders linebacker Khalil Mack (52) is defended by Buffalo Bills left tackle Cordy Glenn (77) at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

What they’re saying

Weak-side linebacker Malcolm Smith, who played with some good defensive players in Seattle told Vic Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle, “I have played with some pretty good players … and he is by far the most dominant that I have seen,” Smith said. “He has everything you want athletically, smart. If he doesn’t make all the plays, I know I will get plenty of opportunities.”

Cleveland Browns left tackle said before the game Sunday, “I never played against LT, so maybe I’m blowing smoke, but I’ve seen him play and dominate and to me they’re comparable types,” They’re both 6-2, 250-ish, lift a house, run a 4.3, destroy people at will. Just look back to what [Mack] did in college. It’s amazing he wasn’t the No. 1 pick. I think if you talk to anybody across the league that’s watched him play, they wouldn’t think that’s a big comparison to make. Size, speed, strength, power, you name it, he’s got it.”

Many of you that are into statistics may think Von Miller is more of a comparison but he compares more to Derrick Thomas. Thomas was actually the better edge-rusher of the two but Taylor was the more dominant all-around defensive player. And that’s how Mack compares to Miller as Del Rio, who has coached both of them, had something to say about it.

NFL.com quoted him saying, “I think Khalil is way more physical than Von [Miller]. Von got up to somewhere around 250 pounds when I had him but he’s naturally closer to 240. Khalil can be up around 260 or 265 and they both play that strongside linebacker position and sub-pass-rusher role. Since most teams use their sub packages for two-thirds of the game, there will be some opportunities there. They’re different but they’re both special.”

Next: Game-planning for him