I was so hyped up for Khalil Mack when he entered his name in the NFL Draft back in 2014. Yes, he played at a smaller school (Buffalo), but still emerged as one of the best prospects entering the draft that year. When he was playing for the Raiders, I always referred to him and Derek Carr as the cornerstones of the franchise. 2016 was the best year of his career when he was named Defensive Player of the Year for his efforts. In 2018 a week before the regular season started, Khalil was traded to the Chicago Bears and I was excited about this move. The Bears didn’t have a big-name star on the defensive side since Brian Urlacher. When Khalil got to Chicago in his first year, you immediately saw the impact. I’ll admit he hasn’t been the same since then and injuries have taken their toll. With free agency looming, some of the moves have been insane. We can add another to the mix. Khalil Mack has been traded to the Los Angeles Chargers for a second and sixth-round draft pick.
When healthy, Khalil is still one of the best defensive players in our business. He’s one of the toughest people to block, chip, or defend because he’s so quick and dominant off the snap of the football. I always say you’re the focus of the game plan as a defender when you command chip help from a running back or tight end. Rushing the passer is what I call art and Khalil has so many ways of getting home to the quarterback. One thing I’ve noticed about him is his strength when he plays. Khalil can toss offensive linemen or any would-be blockers and toss them out of the club with one arm. Talk about a guy being stronger than anyone else. Khalil is always in attack mode meaning he’s always looking to make the best possible play that will impact the football team. He’s always a threat off the edge with his speed and can make offensive linemen turn and open his chest up. Once that happens, Khalil has won his battle. You’re a threat when you need two guys to double you just so you can’t get home.
The AFC West has been in the news all week since the Broncos acquired Russell Wilson. I said on the radio last night this is by far the most intriguing division of quarterbacks with Patrick Mahomes, Derek Carr, Justin Herbert and Russell Wilson now added to the mix. The Chargers made a splash with this move! Adding Khalil with Joey Bosa and Derwin James makes this a potentially scary unit. Who do you zoom in on now? Khalil or Joey?! That’s a scary thought!
