Khalil Mack now the NFL’s most dominant defensive player

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Dec 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler (17) is sacked by Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52) during an NFL football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Raiders defeated the Broncos 15-12. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Move over J.J. Watt, a new most dominant player in the NFL has arrived!

Oakland Raiders OLB Khalil Mack’s 5-sack performance is a signature moment, saying he has arrived. Derrick Thomas’ 7-sack game was his signature moment, signifying his dominance in 1990. Lawrence Taylor had four in 1984 to show that he had taken over as the most dominant defensive player in the game.

And Mack’s game on Sunday is no more a 1-game thing than the other two superstars’ were. Becoming the most dominant  defensive player in the NFL is a process and Mack has undergone that process. And that process has led to the tear he’s on a with nine sacks in the last three games to take the NFL’s lead with 14.

Like most of the players that have all-time games, he showed signs of being great leading up to it. You could see Mack had it in him as many already saw him as one of the most dominant defensive players in the game as a rookie. He just needed to put it together and have everything around him come together to become the most dominant.

He’s a 3-tool defensive player, who in 2014, was among the league’s leaders in QB-pressures and tackles for a loss. And at the same time, he was among the best OLBs in pass-coverage as well. Only last year, the heat he put on opposing quarterbacks amounted to just four sacks.

But it has since come together for Mack as he’s right there with Watt as far as rushing the passer. And while they’re both good against the run, Mack can also cover backs and tight ends. As young players often do, Mack made the big jump from year one to year two but there are other factors that also came together.

Turn the page to take a look at Mack’s jump and what came together for Mack.

Next: Mack's jump