Chicago Bears offseason stock watch: Khalil Mack
Where does the stock stand on the Chicago Bears top pass rusher heading into 2019?
Entering 2018, Khalil Mack was coming to the Chicago Bears straight out of a holdout. Sure, he was keeping in shape, but Mack was holding out of camp for the Oakland Raiders in the hopes of finding a new contract.
He showed up right before the start of the season. Mack barely knew the playbook, and never worked beside any of the players that were on the roster. He came in raw against the Packers with only a plan to rush the passer and wound up injuring Aaron Rodgers and knocking them out of the division.
Now, Mack comes in with a full season of working out with his teammates. He was a full go at OTAs and will work throughout training camp and the preseason with the defense. It shows that while he held out from the Raiders, it was likely for good reason, and once he got what he deserved, he bought into being a completely bought in a teammate.
Sure, the Bears are adding a new defensive coordinator in Chuck Pagano. Still, all indications are that Mack should only get better with the experience and trust that comes with working out with his teammates and knowing their tendencies on the field.
Double-digit sacks is a minimum. There is no reason to expect any sort of drop off or decline in play. This is a player who should be in for a big season and his stock will only continue to rise.