NFC North power rankings: Who is the best pass-rusher?

There was a lot working against Mack last season. Not only was he getting double-teamed on seemingly every other play, but he was playing on a defense that switched coordinators and lost several key pieces in the secondary.

Newly-minted Los Angeles Ram Leonard Floyd, who is officially now a resident in “bust” territory, was the best outside linebacker or defensive end that Mack had to rely on to take attention away from the former Raider superstar. Even with all of that working against him, Mack managed 8.5 sacks, 47 tackles, an 86.2 PFF grade, and a Pro Bowl appearance.

Mack might not have had the gaudy sack numbers that he had in his first season with the Bears, but there might not be a defensive end in football outside of a fully healthy JJ Watt that effects the game on every snap in the same way Mack does.

With his run-stuffing ability, edge-setting prowess, and Robert Quinn lining up next to him, Mack could assert himself as the best defensive player in the NFC North, regardless of position.