NFL Stock Report: Khalil Mack Gaining Steam

Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Khalil Mack (52) lines up against the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Raiders 47-14. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

As training camp and the preseason approach, players around the league have begun to separate themselves from others on their team, both in good and bad ways. So who are some names to take note of in the NFL stock report?

Stock Up: Khalil Mack, OLB, Oakland Raiders

He showed every bit of talent and potential he had when the Oakland Raiders drafted him last season. Now Khalil Mack needs to take that key next step for a young pass rusher and go from a solid player who can do a little of everything and really start to hone his ability to get the quarterback on the ground. He has plenty more help around him, more experience and most importantly a much better coaching staff headlined by defensive specialist head coach Jack Del Rio.

Stock Down: Justin Forsett, RB, Baltimore Ravens

His career renaissance in 2014 was one of the feel-good stories of the season, but Justin Forsett has some things working against him with the Baltimore Ravens. Gary Kubiak, the offensive coordinator who has championed him throughout his career, has left to take over the Denver Broncos. He’s replaced by Marc Trestman, who is expected to gear the offense more around Joe Flacco. Second, Forsett is getting into his 30s. A dangerous age barrier for running backs. Capped off by growing competition from the depth chart and he’s in danger of losing steam.

Stock Up: Alshon Jeffery, WR, Chicago Bears

Don’t tell anybody, but some haven’t bothered to notice that Alshon Jeffery has been the leading receiver for the Chicago Bears the past two seasons. That was with Brandon Marshall in the lineup. That is no longer the case as GM Ryan Pace traded the veteran receiver to the Jets. With him gone the focus has centered on Jeffery. He is the only one left on the roster at his position with any sense of connection to quarterback Jay Cutler. Free agent Eddie Royal and rookie Kevin White both have catching up to do. That should mean Jeffery is in line to see plenty of action this season.

Stock Down: Andy Dalton, QB, Cincinnati Bengals

Another year, another early playoff exit. Coaches may continue to insist Andy Dalton is the unquestioned starter for the Cincinnati Bengals, but cries grow louder from the outside that his inability to elevate his game in January is beginning to hold back a roster that many believe is Super Bowl worthy. Add in the growing buzz surrounding young backup A.J. McCarron who has the coaches falling in love with him, it’s creating a tense atmosphere for Dalton in what very well could be a make-or-break season.

Stock Up: Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, New York Giants

Try as they might, the bargaining position remains unchanged for the New York Giants with star pass rusher Jason Pierre-Paul. He is the unchallenged best player on their defense and easily the best sack artist they have by a wide margin. So it’s only a matter of time before he gets paid. On the flip side, the Giants should be excited regardless. JPP finished 2014 very strong, collecting three sacks in the final two games. He’s healthy and regaining that edge that made him so disruptive a few years ago.

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