In 2015, defensive end Khalil Mack finished second in sacks with 15. Over the past three seasons, he’s logged 36.5 as the shining star across the Raiders front line. Bleacher Report’s Doug Farrar ranked him No. 2 among the most unblockable pass-rushers.

Head coach Jon Gruden made the most crucial hire at the defensive coordinator position. Paul Guenther takes over a defense that’s sputtered on all three levels in recent seasons.nfl china jersey

The Raiders drafted defensive tackle Maurice Hurst, a 3-technique interior lineman capable of shooting gaps, which suits Guenther’s defensive scheme. It’s too early to draw the comparison, but think about Geno Atkins’ impact as a pass-rusher on the inside. The coaching staff will also move Bruce Irvin to full-time defensive end.nfl women jersey

The two aforementioned moves should divert some attention away from Mack. As a rookie, Hurst’s influence looks uncertain, but Irvin, who’s logged 15 sacks in two seasons with the Silver and Black, will garner attention at the line of scrimmage.

Finally, according to The Athletic’s Vic Tafur, Guenther plans to move Mack around the formation, which adds much-needed unpredictability to the scheme. “We’re going to move him around. He might be on the right side, he might be on the left side … we might line him up over a guard.”nike nfl jerseys differences

Assuming Mack and the Raiders hammer out a new deal, Guenther’s vision for the defense should push the two-time All-Pro to another level as the 2018 sack leader.nfl china jerseys nike

Mack’s Projected Total: 15 sacks

Runner-Up: Joey Bosa, Los Angeles Chargers nfl teams jerseys