2015 NFL Draft: Grades For Recent Number 5 Picks

December 21, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Khalil Mack (52) during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Bills 26-24. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Redskins have the number five pick in the 2015 NFL Draft and one would think that they should be able to find a potential star picking that high in the draft.  However, while some have developed into star players, in other cases it hasn’t worked out that way.

For a top five draft pick you want to score an “A” because you have your choice of some of the top players in the draft.  Here is a look at how the last nine Number 5 draft picks have graded out so far in the NFL.

2014 – Khalil Mack, OLB – Oakland Raiders

Khalil Mack was considered to be one of the top pass rushers in last years’ draft but he only was able to generate 4 sacks on the season.  However, the potential is still very high for Mack and he could develop into a goo pass rusher over the next few years.

With Jack Del Rio as the new head coach for the Raiders, I look for him to use Mack as more of a pass rusher like he did as defensive coordinator with the Denver Broncos.  The results worked well with Von Miller and they should with Khalil Mack as well.

Grade B+ – After Debating the original grade with Raiders fans who commented below: Al_Uno, Pridenpoise and Nate Raider, I agree with them that a C+ was too low for Khalil Mack because he did have a very good rookie season.  However, I still think to get it up to an “A”, he’ll need to increase his sack total.  I think he’ll do it.

Next: 2013 - Ezekiel Ansah, DE - Detroit Lions