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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Sep 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oakland Raiders linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) strips the ball from New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) in the first quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oakland Raiders linebacker Bruce Irvin (51) strips the ball from New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) in the first quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

Upgrade on the Other Side

When I wrote an article about moving Bruce Irvin to inside linebacker, people went crazy. They talked about how great of a pair he and Mack would be coming off the edges. But that’s not going to happen because Irvin’s 4.5 speed doesn’t make him a great pass rusher.

Many were swearing to God that he just didn’t get a chance to rush the passer enough. Irvin had eight sacks as a rookie but first-round picks aren’t let out of town if they’re great pass rushers. He was moved to linebacker because he wasn’t that good of a pass rusher.

Irvin got by with his speed in when he was in college and in his rookie year. But as soon as tackles overset for him, he had no answer. The one sack he has this year came when New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees held the ball for five seconds.

Shilque Calhoun has better pass-rush moves and puts more consistent pressure on the QB than Irvin. He should be at the LEO until Aldon Smith can come back. Irvin isn’t doing anything with all the one-on-one blocking he’s getting.

But he was a good last year, playing off-the-ball linebacker in packages for the Seahawks.That speed be put to use in the running game and in coverage. I’m trying to figure out how playing your best football player out of position for Irvin is worth it.

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