New Oakland Raiders defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr is determined to help Khalil Mack fulfil his potential after being impressed by the linebacker's rookie season.
Mack was selected by the Raiders with the fifth overall pick in the 2014 Draft and the 23-year-old had an immediate impact at the club, putting in a series of dominant displays during the season.
Norton believes that he can help Mack reach the next level following his work with the Seattle Seahawks linebackers, who he helped guide to All-Pro berths after being appointed to his new role.
"I've been very, very impressed," Norton told reporters. "One thing I have with my linebackers at Seattle, we do a great job of just watching other players across the league to see what they do well.
"See the type of things that I can help them coach and get themselves better and just see what is going on. Khalil Mack is a guy, with Bruce Irvin and the rest of my SAM linebackers, guys on the strong side, just watched his explosion, his speed, his combination of size and his strength.
"He's a really smart player and he loves playing ball. I've done really well with young men who have a knack of making plays and really love playing football."
Mack recorded 76 tackles, four sacks and a forced fumble during his rookie season.
Simon Sinclair
