Niner Noise
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San Francisco 49ers: Why trading for Raiders’ Khalil Mack makes sense

By Jeremy Wohlfart

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 13: Khalil Mack #52 of the Oakland Raiders looks on during the second half of their NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals at O.co Coliseum on September 13, 2015 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 13: Khalil Mack #52 of the Oakland Raiders looks on during the second half of their NFL game against the Cincinnati Bengals at O.co Coliseum on September 13, 2015 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 09: Khalil Mack #52 of the Oakland Raiders reacts after a play against the San Diego Chargers during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 9, 2016 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – OCTOBER 09: Khalil Mack #52 of the Oakland Raiders reacts after a play against the San Diego Chargers during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on October 9, 2016 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

It fills a major need

Firstly, Niners general manager John Lynch should be applauded for the incredibly quick turnaround he’s made, roster-wise.

A lot of positions have been upgraded, a lot of late-round NFL Draft picks have been productive and the team now has very few major holes.

However, the one major hole the team has — the one that stops it from being a true Super Bowl threat — is the lack of an elite pass-rushing talent on its roster.

Now that isn’t to say the team lacks defensive talent. DeForest Buckner, Reuben Foster and Ahkello Witherspoon are just a few of the young and exciting players the 49ers possess on the defensive side of the ball.

But none of them are players quarterbacks have nightmares about.

Mack instantly changes this for the 49ers. He would be an instant upgrade on defense and instantly the teams best defensive player. Some may argue the best player, period.

It would take time to get him learning the defensive game plan, but the reward would be worth the wait.