Khalil Mack

An under-the-radar high school recruit, Mack enrolled at Buffalo and redshirted in 2009. He became a starter in 2010 and started all but one game over the past four seasons, leaving Buffalo as the most productive defensive player in program history with school records for sacks (28.5), tackles for loss (75) and forced fumbles (16), the latter two also being FBS records. Mack played a hybrid linebacker role in the Bulls' 3-4 scheme, seeing time with his hand on the ground and also standing up off the edge. He is built very well for the position with good functional strength and movement skills to quickly disengage blocks and easily accelerate to chase down the ballcarrier or disrupt the pocket. Mack did most of his damage against mediocre competition in the MAC, but he also showed he can match up against top tier teams with excellent games against Ohio State and Baylor in 2013. His natural skill-set projects him as one of the draft's top pass rushers and probable top 10 selection.

lacks ideal range in coverage and needs to play with more consistent leverage and fluidity in his drops. room to improve his instincts in space to do a better job anticipating the action.

Not the most consistent tackler in space. Doesn't always explode off the ball and needs to improve his snap anticipation. Needs to do a better job keeping himself clean through traffic.

plays fast in pursuit with very good closing burst. smooth lateral movements with good range, surging with his hips. uses his length well to engage, swim and swat and uses a wide array of moves to keep blockers guessing.

Active and powerful upper body to rip through blocks and won't stay tied up long. Physical striker and hits through his target. Keeps his eyes elevated to quickly locate and track to chase and finish.

robert quinn, rams - mack is a little more versatile, but both have an excellent blend of quickness and power to be effective sacking the quarterback or stopping the run.

--Dane Brugler (2/11/14)

versatile skill-set and has experience lining up all over the front seven. relentless motor and feeds off the energy of the game. four-year starter (48 career starts) and didn't miss a game due to injury in college. fbs career records for forced fumbles (16) and tackles for loss (75, tied with jason babin).

WEAKNESSES

missed the 2012 season opener due to a one-game suspension for violating team rules. needs to stay focused and prove he has the mental aptitude to make the jump to the next level.

COMPARES TO

strengths

Strongly put together frame with good body thickness throughout. Very good take-on strength with powerful wrists and hands, using his arm to jolt and lock out.

Played for head coach Waides Ashmon at Westwood High School

had 140 tackles, including eight for a loss and nine sacks his senior year

named third-team All-State in football-rich Florida, as well as first-team All-Area

helped lead the Panthers to a district championship.