Oakland Raiders blue chip second-year linebacker Khalil Mack is a popular breakout candidate for 2015. Why? Because new head coach Jack Del Rio plans to unleash the uber athletic youngster in the pass-rushing game. But to do so may mean a position switch for Mack.
Through the first four days of training camp, Mack has been splitting his snaps with the linebackers and defensive linemen. CSN Bay Area's Scott Bair reports that defensive end will be his primary position once the 2015 season begins.
#Raiders Notes: Mack chance to be top 3 DE by end of season. Might be there already.
— Andy Benoit (@Andy_Benoit) August 3, 2015
Mack confirmed back in May that he had added roughly 15 pounds of muscle during the offseason and now weighs in at 265 pounds. That added bulk will help him hold up over the long 16 game schedule if he is to be working in the trenches.
Mack recorded 75 tackles with four sacks and one forced fumble last season. Critics may point to the low sack total of his rookie year, but Mack was asked to play primarily against the run and in coverage during the 2014 season (both areas he excelled in). Within the Raiders organization there is no doubt that he has the potential to be an elite pass-rusher.
With Mack likely moving to DE, Malcolm Smith and Ray Ray Armstrong will be viewed as potential replacements at LB. However, it is unknown if either player can effectively replace Mack, making the position battle worth monitoring as training camp continues to play out.
