The Khalil Mack trade is easily one of the biggest and most impactful the NFL has seen in some time. It instantly changed the fortunes of the Chicago Bears, who made the playoffs for the first time in eight years upon his arrival. After just two seasons he already has 21 sacks, with most betting tips suggesting he will once again contend for NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2020. Expectations are unless something drastic happens, he’ll end up in the Pro Football Hall of Fame by the time his career is complete.
The Las Vegas Raiders have been trying to make maximum use of the resources they got in return for him. They secured a talented running back in Josh Jacobs last season along with a decent tight end in Foster Moreau. Then this past draft they surprised people by selecting cornerback Damon Arnette in the 1st round before completing the trade with wide receiver Bryan Edwards in the 3rd.
Peter King of NBC Sports believes the Raiders have a numbers advantage at the moment. However, Chicago is still in a position to claim victory in this trade. They just need one more thing to go right.
“Mack played hurt last year; his 21 sacks in 30 Chicago games would have been higher if he’d been healthy. He’s still the best player in this deal. If Kmet’s a good NFL tight end, the win here will go to Chicago. That’s a big if. Jacobs will be Jon Gruden’s feature back for the next three years, most likely. Moreau’s a usable tight end and good value pick. Arnette seemed a reach at the 19th overall pick this year, but we’ll see.”
Khalil Mack trade hinges on Cole Kmet
One thing that is often forgotten about that trade is how GM Ryan Pace was able to finagle a 2nd round pick along with Mack in the deal. That pick was finally utilized last month when the Bears selected Notre Dame tight end Cole Kmet 43rd overall. Opinions on the 21-year old vary. A number of talent evaluators really like him. They felt he was the most complete player at his position by a mile in the draft. Others feel he’s really raw and not explosive enough to be a true star in the NFL.
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The thing is explosion isn’t what makes all great players. Intelligence, dedication, and relentless drive tend to decide that more often than not. All accounts seem to say Kmet has that. Now that his time is not divided by baseball, there is a chance people haven’t seen the actual football player he can be yet. Add in the fact he got drafted by his hometown team? The incentives are there for him to perform. If he becomes a starter in this town for 7-10 years? That will go down as one of the best trades in team history.
