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Mack's sacks helped by 'playing chess, not checkers'

His ability to mix it up with power and speed and technique is tough to deal with, especially considering his motor doesn’t stop.

DENVER –- Raiders linebacker Khalil Mack made an immediate impact in the NFL. Last year’s No. 5 overall pick was disruptive off the edge, without significant stats to support those efforts.

He was widely respected by players and media alike, finishing third in Rookie of the Year voting. But, with just four sacks and a forced fumble in 2014, he didn’t make enough game-changing plays visible to the naked eye.

“Going into this gig, you heard stories about Khalil before we came and how Khalil was such a young talent,” defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr.