Mack named third best NFL player by his peers

Bears linebacker Khalil Mack was named the third-best NFL player in an NFL network survey of league players.

The six-year-old NFL veteran participated in the Wednesday night episode "The Top 100 Players of 2019", which unveiled the top 10.

Last year, in his first season with the Bears, Mack was named the first All-Pro team and voted for his fourth consecutive Pro Bowl appearance. Acquired on September 1 as part of a deal with the Raiders, he led Bears with 12.5 sacks, a career high of six forced fumbles and 18 quarterback shots. Mack is also ranked second in the team with 10 tackles for the loss.

"You have a phenomenal athlete," said new defense coordinator Chuck Pagano. "He's a great football player, but he's a better teammate and a better person. He does not say much, but gestures speak more than words. He is an excellent worker. It's a smart guy. He picks things up. "

Mack's 12.5 bags last year were the most marked by a Bears player since Richard Dent also made 12.5 in 1993. Mack's 12.5 sacks were tied for the third record in the history of the franchise behind Dent (17.5 in 1984 and 17.0 in 1985).

Mack was named the defensive player of last month's NFC month after recording five sacks, four forced fumbles and a 27-yard interception for a touchdown in the first game of the season against the Packers. It was a remarkable achievement since he had not participated in any training camp nor participated in preparatory matches due to a contractual stalemate with the Raiders.

"He did it every day," said coach Matt Nagy. "Everything was coherent. He has never changed. It affects the game simply because the faults want to double it, triple it and quadruple it and that ultimately creates imbalances and individual battles for the other players. "

Mack is one of four Bears – all defensemen – to be among the top 100 players in the NFL. He is joined by safety Eddie Jackson (# 30), defensive forward Akiem Hicks (# 39) and cornerback Kyle Fuller (# 95).