Khalil Mack has established himself as one of the premier defensive players in the NFL. If his teammate’s prediction becomes reality, the talented pass rusher will put together one of the better individual seasons in league history later this year.
In just his second year in the NFL, Mack earned a Pro Bowl nod and became the first player in league history to be named First-Team All-Pro at two positions (outside linebacker and defensive end) in 2015. He also tied a Raiders record with five sacks in a single game against the Broncos.
In the upcoming season, Mack will surely keep a few offensive coordinators up at night trying to figure out how to keep him away from their quarterbacks. According to Derek Carr, game plans or not, Mack could obliterate the NFL single-season sack record.
“I think he’s going to sack the quarterback 30 times,” Carr told Adam Schein on SiriusXM Radio.
“Watch the tape,” Carr continued. “He’s held every play. He’s like nobody else in the league. He’s talented.”
When Mack wasn’t getting held last year, he was able to record 15 sacks, second in the league to J.J. Watt’s 17.5. The NFL record is 22.5, set by Michael Strahan in 2001.
The Raiders’ pass rush should be among the best in the NFL next season, with Oakland signing Bruce Irvin in free agency. Perhaps he and Mack can combine for 30 sacks, which would also be pretty impressive. Then again, who am I to bet against Mack reaching that total on his own.
H/T FOX Sports
