Oakland Raiders: Looking at the pros and cons of dealing Khalil Mack
By Kevin Saito
Pro: Elite edge rushing class
Another potential factor in Oakland’s decision to part ways with Mack, rather than pay him, is that the 2019 Draft class is expected to feature some elite pass rushing talent.
Heading up the class is Ohio State’s Nick Bosa – younger brother of Chargers standout Joey Bosa. You can also throw the likes of Clemson’s Clelin Ferrell, Mississippi State’s Montez Sweat, Boston College’s Zach Allen, and plenty of others into that mix.
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The point is that the pass rushing class coming out in 2019 is expected to be very deep, and very talented. It’s a class that’s expected to produce multiple first-rounders and some real difference makers, defensively speaking.
Will they measure up to Mack? Who knows. But, if the Raiders were able to land somebody like Nick Bosa, and he is anything like his brother on the pro level, having that extra first-round pick could become invaluable.
Joey Bosa has been a terror since he finally got onto the field for Los Angeles. He’s tormented the Raiders time and again. Wouldn’t it be poetic justice to see his younger brother in Silver and Black doing the same to them?
Again, all things being equal, you’d rather see Mack on the edge – especially now that he has some legit help on the defensive line. But, in this business that is the NFL, nothing is ever certain. All you can do is take the next man up.
And in a draft class as deep and talented as the 2019 class of edge rushers are expected to be, the extra first-round pick could be a game changer for the Raiders.