The Pewter Plank
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Five Best Edge Pass Rushers the Buccaneers Face in 2016

By Alan Schechter

Jun 14, 2016; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter (left) and defensive end Noah Spence (57) talk as they work out during mini camp at One Buccaneer Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 14, 2016; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter (left) and defensive end Noah Spence (57) talk as they work out during mini camp at One Buccaneer Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Khalil Mack (52) reacts to a penalty against the Raiders during action against the Green Bay Packers in the second quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Khalil Mack (52) reacts to a penalty against the Raiders during action against the Green Bay Packers in the second quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Khalil Mack

Our number four choice has not faced the Bucs so far in his young career, but is one the team had best keep an eye on.

Mack was drafted by the Raiders with the fifth overall pick in the 2014 draft.  His rookie season, though a strong one with 76 total tackles, was more of a run-stopping season as he only posted four sacks.

Last year, however, was a completely different story, as he was a one man heat-seeking quarterback missile.  Mack posted 15 sacks, good for second in the NFL and his first Pro Bowl selection, to go along with 77 tackles.  His best day came in a December battle with the eventual champion Broncos.  That day, he put up five sacks helping his team to an upset, 15-12 victory in Denver.

The Raiders are going through a resurgence both on offense and defense.  Last year, they were just outside the top ten in the league in rushing defense, ranking 13th after allowing 104.9 yards per game on the ground.

Mack is at the forefront of the defensive resurgence.  The Bucs better be ready.

Next: Number Three

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