Before the 2013 college football season began, Khalil Mack was a player on the radar of scouts everywhere. His 94 tackles, including 21 for a loss, eight sacks, and four forced fumbles made him one of the exciting players in the country, and got him placed on the watchlist for the Butkus, Lombardi, and Bednarik awards this year. The senior outside linebacker is expected to play his way into a first round pick, but how high might he go?

Mack is as purely talented as any linebacker in the country. However, one obstacle he’ll have to overcome is one he can’t do anything about. Playing at Buffalo, he won’t get as much attention as other highly ranked players, and questions about the level of competition will follow him. He did much to supply an answer by having a dominating game against Ohio State in week one. With 9 ½ tackles, 2 ½ sacks, and an interception returned for a touchdown, Mack was the best player on the field for either side, and instantly gained the attention of the entire nation.

Ruthlessly aggressive, Mack displays a drive like few others. On every play, he brings attitude and fire. His motor never stops, and he never gives up. The aggressiveness can be used against him, when opposing tackles let him run himself out of the play, but it’s a trait that pays more dividends than it has negatives. He is relentless, but he plays with intelligence as well, allowing his instincts to get him into the right place at the right time. This ability to read a play is what allows him to make so many plays behind the line of scrimmage.

There are some solid outside linebackers competing for spots in next year’s NFL Draft. Mack is projected as a 3-4 rush linebacker and his showing in Buffalo’s 3-4 can only help. More importantly, his play on the field is drawing rave reviews. A great start against a big-time opponent has him on the right track, and more big games seem likely. The sky seems to be the limit, and while he seems to be a sure first-rounder, he could work his way even higher. As a rush linebacker, another big season, that could see some record-setting numbers, Mack has all of the potential to be a top ten pick. He stands poised to stamp his name on the 2013 season, and anybody that didn't already know who he was, will know by the end of the season.