Raiders

Khalil Mack Replacements, or is there such a thing?

The shock and awe of the blockbuster Khalil Mack trade will sting Raider Nation for some time.

It is always difficult when the team that you have adored all your life seems to consistently let you down. This is another monumental experience that could haunt the Raiders this season, but maybe not so much in the coming years.

Mack is about as irreplaceable as it gets. With that in mind, the organization has got to be searching for a player of his caliber during the long road ahead. They now own two 2019 first-round selections and two in 2020 as well. The 2019 class of pass rushers revolves around loaded top ten talents like Ohio State’s Nick Bosa, Clemson’s Clelin Ferrell, and Michigan’s Rashan Gary.

Others that are eligible in the next two drafts are:

  • Boston College, DE, Zach Allen
  • Mississippi State, DE, Montez Sweat
  • Florida State, DE, Brian Burns
  • Kentucky, Edge, Josh Allen
  • Iowa, DE, A.J. Epenesa
  • Alabama, Edge, Terrell Lewis

These are just a couple of college stars that will become draft eligible, should they choose to do so, over the next two years. If the Raiders had any interest in Anthony Zettel or Brian Robison, they would have made a move by now. They seem set with their current 53-man roster and the defensive end position for 2019 looks awful weak already. Trey Flowers of the New England Patriots seems to be the best of the bunch in 2019, but anything can change in the NFL in an instant. Throw in trades, injuries, and time, in general, will reveal how the saga of this unforgettable trade will play out.

As for now, the Silver & Black will count on Shilique Calhoun and Arden Key to mainly fill the shoes of arguably the best defensive player in the game today. All is not lost with these two capable defenders as both were considered first-round talents who flashed signs in the exhibition campaign. Countless happenings will occur between now and then, but be aware that the Raiders have numerous amounts of options at their disposal.

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2 thoughts on “Khalil Mack Replacements, or is there such a thing?”

  1. If we drafted 20 times in the top 5 we may never find another Khalil Mack. Through his first 4 years he was as good as any defender I’ve seen. That being said, one player doesn’t make a team. They need to hit on their draft picks. That doesn’t mean that every pick has to be a superstar but they do have to be a quality starter. No more DJ Haydens, no more Jihad Wards, these players screamed long shot and were drafted too high. If you’re gonna roll the dice, wait until the later rounds.

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