With The First Pick
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Why Khalil Mack Will Get His 20 Sacks in 2016

By Carl Cockerham

August 30, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Khalil Mack (52) at the line of scrimmage during the second quarter in a preseason NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals at O.co Coliseum. The Cardinals defeated the Raiders 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
August 30, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Khalil Mack (52) at the line of scrimmage during the second quarter in a preseason NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals at O.co Coliseum. The Cardinals defeated the Raiders 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos tackle Michael Schofield (79) is unable to pass block Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52) in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Raiders defeated Broncos 15-12. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos tackle Michael Schofield (79) is unable to pass block Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52) in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Raiders defeated Broncos 15-12. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Another Year Under His Belt

They say the biggest jump a player can make is from Year 1 to Year 2 and yes, that is the truth. But young players have another jump in there as they go from Year 2 to Year 3. Players not only start to hit their physical prime in their mid-20s but they start to understand things mentally.

It’s great to have all the physical gifts in the world but they only help you when you know how to apply them to your craft. Mack has refined his pass-rushing techniques while he hasn’t gotten any weaker or slower so it’s all still coming together for him at age 25.

Another part of the mental side of things that Mack now has is knowing what the opposition is trying to do to him. Of course, when you’re as good an edge rusher as Mack is, there will be double and triple-teams coming your way and Mack has learned to read when it’s coming.

When you can anticipate a double or triple team, you have a chance to do something about it. And Mack did that in 2015, sometimes spinning away from it and other times splitting it. And he’s still learning so look for Mack to bring even more to the table for the 2016 season.

Next: Mario Edwards Jr.

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