Fansided

NFL: Top 5 candidates to win Defensive Rookie of the Year

By Zack Kelberman

Aug 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Houston Texans linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Houston Texans linebacker Jadeveon Clowney (90) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Oakland Raiders linebacker Khalil Mack (52) against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Raiders 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Oakland Raiders linebacker Khalil Mack (52) against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Raiders 10-6. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

Khalil Mack, Oakland Raiders linebacker

Here’s a guy who might have been the most physically talented player in the draft. Mack, who stands 6-foot-3, 252 pounds, turned in a highly impressive 4.53 40 time. On the surface, he’s everything you want in a linebacker.

The pride of the University at Buffalo was immediately installed as a starter in the Raiders’ 4-3 defense, giving defensive-minded head coach Dennis Allen a playmaking presence. In preseason contests, Mack flashed his ability, covering sideline-to-sideline and displaying good pass-rushing moves.

Teams are going to pass early and often against Oakland’s underwhelming secondary. This should allow Mack to get after the quarterback on a regular basis. If he does it well enough, his peers will take notice.

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