Khalil Mack continues to be showered with awards and honors; most recently the Pro Butkus Award.
The 2016 NFL Defensive Player of the Year continues to garner prestige with awards being bestowed on the All-Pro linebacker. The sheer on-field dominance of Khalil Mack’s play and the other characteristics that have come to define Mack such as ethic and drive are rightfully justified with this honor.
“Khalil Mack was the most disruptive defender in football in 2016 and possesses the drive, determination and on-field dominance required of a future, first-ballot Hall of Famer. He often was unblockable and was the deciding factor in many Raiders victories last season. He is the definition of what the Butkus Award represents with his rare work habits, preparation and passion for the game,”
As the merits continue to pile up it can only mean a richer payday for Mack as he’s yet to be locked up long-term by Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie. Â On a side note, Mack’s recognition kept Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly from going three years in a row with the Butkus Award.
As the team prepares for the upcoming season all eyes will be on Mack to not only repeat last year’s performance but perhaps improve on it, as crazy as that may sound. As the only true pass rushing threat last season it’ll be interesting to see if all additions will give Mack not only some help but maybe allow him to go one on one against blockers, maybe even raising the sack production to an insane level.