With The First Pick
Fansided

Why Edge Rusher Khalil Mack Isn’t Dominanting

By Carl Cockerham

Aug 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52) attempts to rush past Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) in the second quarter at Oakland Alameda Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack (52) attempts to rush past Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Jack Conklin (78) in the second quarter at Oakland Alameda Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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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 /

Out of Position

The Raiders had an All-Pro and one of the most dominant players in the league at SAM. Mack was only voted All-Pro at defensive end because when at his best, he only played it on third down. Last year, he started the season not sacking the quarterback much.

They had him at the LEO position they have him at now and he’s not the same there. I wears on him to run up against a 330-pound player on every play. But when the Raiders moved to the 3-4, Mack took over games from the SAM position.

It made the run defense better to because he destroyed tight ends and got in the backfield for tackles. Most running plays go to the strong side, where the tight end is. So once Mack beat the tight end, he could jump inside or out for a loss of three.

And dealing with tight ends instead of big tackles, helped him keep his energy to rush the passer. LEOs are long like Charles Haley to deal with tackles on every play. But Mack is more like Taylor, a  dominant 3-4 outside linebacker.

It’s two different positions with two different body types, which is why it didn’t work for Mack last year. Playing your best football player doesn’t help your defense. You’d think defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. would have learned from last year.

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