The Oakland Raiders are the only team in the NFL not to secure a win as of yet at 0-8. And that's a shame, because it overshadows just how good No. 5 overall pick Khalil Mack has been.
The linebacker would easily be in contention for the Defensive Rookie of the Year award, if he weren't toiling away in Oakland's obscurity.
ESPN NFL analyst Merril Hoge is already impressed with the Buffalo product's play this early in his career.
"I think he is going to be one of the most complete, dominant linebackers we've ever seen," Hoge said. "He is just a phenomenal football player. I've never seen a linebacker make this type of easy transition to the NFL."
Mack has even looked good while covering opposing tight ends, a task many seasoned NFL vets still struggle with.
"When the Oakland Raiders selected Khalil Mack with their first-round pick earlier this year, the thought in league circles was that he might struggle a bit as a linebacker in the Raiders' 4-3 defensive scheme since he played in a 3-4 in college," ESPN's Adam Caplan wrote. "And some executives said prior to the draft that he seemed to lack coverage instincts on tape. However, a source who studied his game tape recently while doing some advanced scouting said that the first-year player had been one of the most impressive rookies he's seen on tape so far this season. What stood out? His pass-rushing ability was first and foremost, but he's improved at setting the edge against the run and his ability to cover tight ends might be his most surprising attribute, according to the source."
Mack and the Raiders will play Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos this weekend.
