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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Jan 3, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oakland Raiders cornerback David Amerson (29) runs in for a touchdown after an interception against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Kansas City, MO, USA; Oakland Raiders cornerback David Amerson (29) runs in for a touchdown after an interception against the Kansas City Chiefs in the first half at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /

The Secondary

Along with stepping up in the pocket, Mack also had a problem with quarterbacks getting rid of the ball quickly. A quarterback can only do that if his receivers get open quickly, something Raiders cornerbacks allowed to happen. The secondary was horrible in Mack’s first year and part of his second with legendary Charles Woodson at safety the only one playing well.

But the secondary changed dramatically when the Raiders claimed David Amerson off waivers by the Washington Redskins. After balling out last season, Amerson deservedly got his money. And the Raiders built a solid secondary around him for the 2016 season.

Free safety Reggie Nelson was brought in to replace the now retired Woodson and Sean Smith was brought in to give the Raiders another bump-and-run corner. Then there’s 2013 first-round pick D.J. Hayden, who’s getting a shot at slot corner after playing well in spots there the last year.

Having bump-and-run corners will disrupt opposing receivers’ routes, making it take longer for pass plays to develop. And with the sticky coverage Amerson and Smith play with, opposing quarterbacks will have to pat the ball a couple of more times in the pocket, giving Mack more time to get there.

Next: Schedule

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