Oakland Raiders: Could Khalil Mack have a breakout season?

It’s no secret that the Oakland Raiders are indeed brewing something special heading into this upcoming season. The Raiders are hopeful that their defense is ready to step up and truly become a force to reckon with. If the Raiders are planning on being known as a tough team with a formidable defense, it all starts with how well linebacker Khalil Mack does entering his sophomore season. If Mack ends up playing to his true potential, the Raiders could be quite the turnaround team in 2015.

In his rookie season with the Raiders, Mack had some decent stats to start his NFL career. In 2014, he played in 16 games and totaled 59 tackles, 4.0 sacks and a forced fumble. He had some growing pains while transitioning into the pros but all signs point that he could potentially have a breakout season if everything falls into place.

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With a dire need to bolster their pass rush, the Raiders are hoping Mack steps up and delivers more than his efforts of last season. With his extraordinary work ethic and the fact that he added about 10 pounds of pure muscle to his body frame, he should definitely be much more aggressive and able to be a tackling machine.

Thanks to a brand new coaching staff that is ready to push this team to new limits in 2015, Mack is enjoying all the new knowledge and techniques being taught to him. With a new linebackers coach in Sal Sunseri that brings a fresh approach to how he plays and a new head coach in Jack Del Rio that is stressing attention to detail, Mack is on his way to unleash his new techniques and higher defensive awareness.

Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Khalil Mack (52) lines up against the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Raiders 47-14. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

In an article written by Bill Williamson of ESPN.com, here is what Del Rio had to say about Mack so far during organized team activities and what kind of expectations he has for him in 2015:

"“Yeah, I want that number up. I want his numbers up. I want our numbers up,” Del Rio said. “What he is is he’s a young man who has come into the league in his first year, he’s got a nice start to his career. There is a tremendous amount of growth in front of him and opportunity in front of him to begin to accomplish some of the things that he was brought here for.”"

Needless to say, when a new head coach says comments like that about a player’s potential, you know that player will do whatever it takes to ensure he doesn’t let him down. Considering the Raiders only had 22 sacks as a whole last season, one better believe Mack will play with a big chip on his shoulder that last season was just a fraction of what he’s really capable of. He will play like a man on a mission to prove to the masses that the Raiders can indeed return to their winning ways of the past.

Overall, expect to see big things out of Mack who increased his weight and expectations to lift this team past mediocrity into being an AFC West contender again. It won’t be easy but if Mack can be that defensive anchor the Raiders need at linebacker, there is no telling how far this team can go if he plays at an incredible Pro Bowl-like level.

Next: Oakland Raiders: Amari Cooper will shine in 2015

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