Niner Noise
FanSided

Ranking the top 5 players the 49ers will face in 2018

By Jeremy Wohlfart

JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 10: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks warms up on the field prior to the start of their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on December 10, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FL - DECEMBER 10: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks warms up on the field prior to the start of their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field on December 10, 2017 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 1: Quarterback Trevor Siemian #13 of the Denver Broncos is sacked by defensive end Khalil Mack #52 of the Oakland Raiders in the first quarter of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on October 1, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 1: Quarterback Trevor Siemian #13 of the Denver Broncos is sacked by defensive end Khalil Mack #52 of the Oakland Raiders in the first quarter of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on October 1, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

4. Khalil Mack

There’s really nothing to say about Khalil Mack, other than he’s an absolute machine for the Oakland Raiders.

Impressive from his first game in the NFL, Mack has register double-digit sacks in his last three seasons in the NFL.

He’s not even the best AFC West player the 49ers have to face (more on that in a moment), but his ability to play all facets of the game equally well will give Niners head coach Kyle Shanahan headaches for days.

Mack is one of those rare defenders who can pull a MVP-worthy season off, and while good luck seeing a defender win an MVP award, Mack is entering the prime of his career and will be a significant thorn in the 49ers’ side come their battle in Week 9.