Buffalo outside linebacker Khalil Mack, considered a top-10 lock, will visit with three teams that pick in the top 10 this week.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport is reporting that per a source close to Mack, the linebacker is visiting the Detroit Lions on Tuesday, the Atlanta Falcons on Wednesday and the Houston Texans -- owners of the No. 1 overall pick -- on Thursday.
Mack's pass-rushing abilities make him a coveted prospect, and he also held up well against the run at Buffalo.
Sports Illustrated's Peter King reported Monday that a "friend" of Texans GM Rick Smith said Smith likes Mack (6-foot-3, 251 pounds) more than South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney. If that truly is the case -- and the Texans also like Mack more than any of the quarterbacks available -- Houston perhaps could trade down a few spots and still get Mack. Atlanta picks sixth and Detroit 10th, and there seemingly is a good chance Mack will be off the board before either gets a chance to pick.
Atlanta is in desperate need of an edge rusher, but the Falcons might be equally desperate for a tackle who can help keep Matt Ryan upright; staying at No. 6 and being able to grab a stud offensive tackle seems more likely than staying at No. 6 and being able to get Mack. A pass rusher such as Mack also makes perfect sense for Detroit, whose group of outside linebackers scare no one (except maybe Lions coaches and fans). Detroit also could be interested in Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins, North Carolina tight end Eric Ebron and any of the top corners and safeties. Detroit likely could stay at No. 10 and get any of those except Mack and Watkins.
Last week, Mack visited with the Minnesota Vikings, who pick eighth, and he also already has visited with the St. Louis Rams (who pick second) and the Jacksonville Jaguars (third). NFL Media draft analyst Bucky Brooks has said Mack would fit well within the Jags' scheme. The Rams already have pass-rushing ends Robert Quinn and Chris Long, and seem likely to go in a different direction with the No. 2 pick, if they don't trade the selection. Minnesota likely couldn't get Mack unless it trades up.
NFL Media draft analyst Mike Mayock has said Mack is a prototype outside linebacker in a 3-4, but that he also would fit as a "Sam" linebacker in a 4-3.
Mack set an NCAA career record with 16 forced fumbles and is tied for first in NCAA history with 75 tackles for loss; he is tied with former Western Michigan defensive end Jason Babin, who started for the Jaguars in 2013. Mack also had 28.5 career sacks.
Mike Huguenin can be reached at mike.huguenin@nfl.com. You also can follow him on Twitter @MikeHuguenin.
