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San Francisco 49ers: Ranking the 5 toughest players the Niners face in 2018

By Bobby Horne

SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Brian Hoyer #2 of the San Francisco 49ers is hit by Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on September 21, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. Donald was flagged for roughing the passer. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - SEPTEMBER 21: Brian Hoyer #2 of the San Francisco 49ers is hit by Aaron Donald #99 of the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL game at Levi's Stadium on September 21, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. Donald was flagged for roughing the passer. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/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) /

EDGE Khalil Mack, Oakland Raiders

Mack is far and away a top-five defender in the NFL. Mack has amassed 40.5 sacks in four seasons with the Oakland Raiders and has been an absolute terror to offenses.

I mentioned in the intro that it wasn’t about sacks, and I still mean that. There is a separate challenge that presents itself with Mack above the fact that he is an elite defender.

Mack prefers to line up over the right tackle, not as common for an elite pass-rusher. Most like to line up over the left, which is a right-handed quarterback’s blind side.

You may remember that the 49ers just selected tackle Mike McGlinchey with their first pick in the 2018 NFL Draft.

McGlinchey will play at the right tackle spot, thus him having to contend with Mack all night. For a rookie that is a tall task.

Mack is virtually unblockable, and that is an understatement.

I’d expect 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan to put tight ends Garrett Celek and George Kittle on the right side to chip and provide help. But as you can see above, it may still be a long night for McGlinchey.