The Oakland Raiders finally have a blue-chip talent on which to build their defense.
With the No. 5 overall pick in the 2014 NFL Draft, the Raiders selected Buffalo outside linebacker Khalil Mack.
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Mack becomes the first Buffalo prospect ever drafted in the first or second round. The Butkus Award finalist also holds the NCAA record for most career forced fumbles (16) and shares the record for most tackles for a loss (75).
He gained national attention with a dominant performance against Ohio State, racking up 2.5 sacks, 9.5 tackles and an interception return for a touchdown while torching tackle Jack Mewhort off the edge.
NFL Media analyst Mike Mayock's top-ranked player, Mack is viewed as the prototypical edge rusher in a 3-4 defense. In the 4-3 scheme of Dennis Allen and Jason Tarver, he likely will be the strong-side backer on early downs, moving to a pass-rushing role in sub packages.
Having already signed solid veterans such as Justin Tuck, LaMarr Woodley, Antonio Smith, Tarell Brown and Carlos Rogers, general manager Reggie McKenzie deserves credit for building a competitive defense after fielding one of the league's most talent-poor units one season ago.
For his next trick, McKenzie will have to come up with a franchise quarterback.
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