Oakland Raiders select Khalil Mack at fifth overall

The Oakland Raiders have made their first pick in the 2014 NFL Draft and it is Buffalo linebacker Khalil Mack. In the end, they stayed put at pick number five and got the top outside linebacker in the draft.

The 6-3, 251 pound pass rushing linebacker has all the tools to be a standout player at the next level. He could play either defensive end or outside linebacker for the Raiders or perhaps both in different sets.

He put up big numbers at Buffalo and while you could question his level of competition, he also stood out against top competition, including a huge game against Ohio State last season.

He has been arguably the best pass rusher in college football the past two seasons. After a junior season with 94 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 8.0 sacks, 2 passes defended and 4 forced fumbles, he improved on those numbers as a senior with 100 tackles, 24 tackles for loss, 10.5 sacks, 7 passes defended, 3 interceptions, and 5 forced fumbles.

He set several record including most career forced fumbles in NCAA History, tied an NCAA record with 75 Career Tackles for Loss.

His senior season earned him the Jack Lambert award as well as being named first team All-American.

He showed great speed at the combine with a 4.65 40-yard dash which was good for fourth among linebackers. His 40-inch vertical and 128-inch broad jump were both second among linebackers.

There is little question, Khalil Mack was the best player available at this pick.

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