Oakland Raiders: Notes And Observations From The Preseason

August 30, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Khalil Mack (52) during the second quarter in a preseason NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals at O.co Coliseum. The Cardinals defeated the Raiders 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Khalil Mack Is Even More Beastly In Year Two

Mack was every bit as good as advertised when the Raiders took him in the first round last year. Though he didn’t put up big numbers, his contributions to the team transcended the stat sheet. He was constantly around the ball, disrupting plays, hitting the quarterbacks, and making a nuisance of himself. It was a beautiful sight to behold.

Live Feed

Bolt Beat

And as terrifying as it is for opposing teams to contemplate, he’s even better and more beastly this year.

Over the course of the exhibition season, Mack has been a monster. He’s constantly around the ball and making plays. With a year under his belt, Mack has learned some valuable lessons about playing at a high level in the NFL – and he’s taking full advantage of having veteran leaders like Justin Tuck teaching him how to be successful.

When Mack isn’t dropping players for a loss or stuffing a run before a back can turn it up the field, he’s putting a hard hit on the quarterback. He has a pair of sacks to go along with a number of quarterback hurries to his credit this exhibition season. And when he’s not making plays, he’s drawing enough attention that he opens things up for a teammate to make a play.

Mack has had an excellent exhibition season and looks primed to lead an Oakland defensive front that will be a force to be reckoned with in 2015.

Next: Oakland's Air Assault