Dangerous Duo’s
Is there a more exciting pair of edge rushers in NFL history than Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa? There have been some greats for sure! Justin Houstin and Tamba Hali? Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis? Vonn Miller and DeMarcus Ware? But the combination of Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa could have the makings of the greatest.
How Khalil Mack Became a Charger?
Charger’s General Manager, Tom Telesco, traded a 2022 second-round pick, and a 2023 sixth-round selection for former Chicago Bear and Oakland Raider, Khalil Mack. The Bears would pick Penn State Safety Jaquan Brisker with that second-round pick. Later in the draft, Tom Telesco would trade his two seventh-round picks this year, and get back his 2023 sixth-round pick from the Bears. Those selections would become California defensive back Elijah Hicks, and North Carolina State punter Trenton Gill.
In other words, the Chargers received Khalil Mack, for safety Jaquan Brisker, defensive back Elijah Hicks, and punter Trenton Gill. What a tremendous value for a former Defensive Player of the Year!
Khalil Mack was drafted by the Oakland Raiders fifth-overall in the 2014 NFL Draft. In that timeframe, Mack has become a 6-time Pro Bowler, 3-time All-Pro, and he was named the 2016 Associated Press, Pro Football Writers of America, and the Sporting News Defensive Player of the Year. Since he was drafted in 2014, Mack has 76.5 sacks, 23 forced fumbles, and three interceptions.
Joey Bosa as a Charger
The Chargers drafted Joey Bosa out of Ohio State with the third pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. Even after a lengthy holdout due to a contract dispute in his rookie contract, Bosa was still able to generate 10.5 sacks in 12 games on his way to Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. Throughout his career, Bosa has become a force off the edge while becoming a 4-time Pro Bowler. He has 58 career sacks and 13 forced fumbles.
Set for an Epic Season!
Together, Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa could become one of the best pass rush duos in NFL history. According to PFF, Bosa has graded over 85.0 in all but his 2018 injury-plagued season. Mack has graded over 85.0 in every season except his shorted 2021 injury-plagued season as well. Offenses are going to struggle to create a game plan to offset both players, especially when they also have to try and fit Derwin James and JC Jackson into that same game plan. This could become a historic season for the Charger’s defense!
Both Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa are candidates for Defensive Players of the Year. As of June 2022, Bosa has the seventh-best odds (+2000), while Mack has the 11th-best odds (+3500) to take home the award. Mack is also a candidate to win Comeback Player of the Year after missing almost all of 2021 with a significant foot injury.
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