NFL Draft 2014: Khalil Mack compared to Von Miller
Buffalo Bulls linebacker Khalil Mack (46) against the Bowling Green Falcons at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
Buffalo Bulls outside linebacker Khalil Mack is one of the most dynamic prospects in the 2014 NFL Draft on the defensive side of the ball, and he is projected to be selected somewhere near the top ten (around ninth or tenth). Mack is an outstanding small-school prospect who has been on an absolute tear this season with 94 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, and 10.5 total sacks as one of the country’s best pass rushers and defensive playmakers. This is a guy who can single-handedly change the complexion of the game and the flow of the offense by consistently disrupting plays, and it’s why Mack is such a coveted prospect.
In fact, Mack is so good that he’s drawn a semi-comparison to Denver Broncos elite OLB Von Miller, who is one of the best players in the entire league. An AFC college scouting director told the NFL Network’s Albert Breer that Mack has a similar combination of size and speed to Miller, He’s one of the top pass rushers in the draft. He played his best games against the biggest opponents, and can be an (outside linebacker) in a 3-4 or a Sam (linebacker) in a 4-3. … He’s proven (what kind of player) he is.”
Miller also has that scheme versatility for the Broncos and showed it by making a seamless transition from the 3-4 to the 4-3 and still being an elite, all-around linebacker. The scouting director made sure to note that Mack is a “tick below” Miller overall coming out of college, but that doesn’t really detract much from Mack. I mean, Miller was absolutely phenomenal as a rookie.
Although Mack isn’t guaranteed by any means to go into the top ten, I would be shocked if he isn’t selected in the top 15. He should have a strong Combine, and that will further help his draft stock. It will be interesting to see how his all-around ability as a linebacker compares to Miller’s, and it will be a whole lot of fun watching one of college football’s finest go at it today against San Diego State in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl.