Raiders quarterback Derek Carr and outside linebacker Khalil Mack have highlighted strong efforts from the 2014 draft class. National media is starting to pay attention.
Carr and Mack were featured on NFL.com’s midseason all-rookie team, a starting lineup of the year’s first-year players.
Both players belong on this list.
Carr was the only rookie quarterback to start the season, but he’s not the top rookie by default. He’s played well considering his inexperience, making smart use of his passes while flashing tremendous arm strength.
He’s become a strong leader, and many believe he’s the franchise quarterback the Raiders haven’t had in years.
Carr has 1,517 yards, nine touchdowns and five interceptions through seven games.
[BAIR: Mack wants sacks, though respect comes without them]
Mack doesn’t have a sack, but already ranks among the NFL’s best run defenders at outside linebacker. He’s a relentless three-down linebacker who has created pressure in the backfield even without a sack to show for it.
Mack has 43 tackles, with 10 tackles for losses.
