Khalil Mack Has Help Coming From 2017 NFL Draft

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Dec 6, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Khalil Mack (52) reacts after the Kansas City Chiefs missed an extra point attempt in the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Chiefs defeated the Raiders 34-20. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

Bottom Line

The 2016 NFL Defensive Player of the Year is tickled pink these days because he has help coming. Conley will go right in as the best scheme fit at CB for the Raiders’ Cover 1/Cover 3. The improved coverage will lead to more sacks and INTs when Mack and co. get pressure.

Joseph is just as happy to have Melifonwu so he can move back so FS to make big hits and INTs. Remember, he had five INTs in three games and some change at FS in his last year at West Virginia. Now that he’s healthy, he has his range to play Cover 1/Cover 3.

Vanderdoes and a healthy Edwards will get that penetration up the middle. So when Mack and Irvin beat their men outside, QBs have nowhere to step up, leading to even more sacks. Vanderdoes and Edwards play the run well too so the run defense will improve.

It will also improve because of Lee, his instincts and ability to shed blocks. It’s hard to get outside of Irvin and impossible to get outside of Mack so outside runs will turn back inside. Lee and Jelani Jenkins, the Raiders free agent ILB pick-up, will be there to make the play.

Worry about the Raider defense no more because it has changed.

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