Oakland Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack made his appearance on the NFL Network's Top 100 Player's of 2018 at the No. 16 spot. Who better to describe the impact he has on the game than teammate and quarterback Derek Carr.
Carr has never been shy about praising Mack's talent ever since the two were taken in the 2014 NFL Draft. He doubled down on that by saying Mack is already destined for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, via the Raiders' official Twitter:
“He knows formations and tendencies and route concepts and you get that from a middle linebacker like [Luke] Kuechly and those guys, but to get it from a defensive end spot, he’s calling out plays before they’re even happening. He doesn’ need to know those things, but he does. And when you get a guy that’s that talented and has that kind of knack for the game, he’s a walking Hall of Famer,” Carr said.
It goes without saying that there is plenty of truth to Carr's comments. The former fifth overall pick has earned three trips to the Pro Bowl, two first-team All-pro selections, and Defensive Player of the Year honors in his first four seasons.
Mack is coming off another stellar 2017 campaign, registering 78 tackles, 10.5 sacks, and a forced fumble. Although it may have been a down year by Mack's elite standards, his ranking is indicative of the respect he has garnered in this league. There is good reason for him to believe he should be the highest-paid defensive player in the league.
Judging by Carr's comments, it seems he agrees with that notion. Unfortunately, only time will tell how long it will take for both sides to hash out a long-term deal.
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