The AFC West has a lot of young talent. Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce is a popular breakout pick for a passing offense that is expected to take a step forward in 2015. Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson burst onto the scene last year as a former undrafted free agent, practically carrying the offense down the stretch. Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr has the full confidence of the organization. But none of them shine the brightest at the moment. Instead, Raiders linebacker Khalil Mack could be the big breakout player of 2015.
"I expect big things from Mack," ESPN Raiders reporter Bill Williamson wrote. "The No. 5 overall pick in last year's draft had a strong rookie season. The outside linebacker had four sacks and was a strong, complete player. I think Mack will take the next step in his career in 2015. The new Oakland coaching staff is ready to unleash Mack. They want him to be a pass-rushing star. Oakland badly needs a pass-rush spark. The team had just 22 sacks last season, which was tied for the second fewest in the NFL. New Oakland coach Jack Del Rio coached Von Miller in Denver the past few years. Mack is going to be Del Rio's Miller. Expect Mack to move around from outside linebacker to the defensive line more this season in some packages. His sack numbers should increase and we should see many big plays from Mack, who in the near future will be among the very best defensive players in the NFL."
Mack, who was mostly used as a pass-coverage linebacker last season, recorded 75 total tackles with four sacks and one forced fumble last year. Multiple reports have hinted, as Williamson mentioned, at Del Rio unleashing Mack in the pass-rush game. This could lead to a lot more game changing plays for the second-year star. As it stands now, the Raiders have a foundational building block in Mack for their improving defense.
