HOUSTON – The AP All-Pro team added an edge-rusher slot to its list of honorees, virtually ensuring Khalil Mack wouldn't be acknowledged twice this year.
He made history in 2015, when he was a first-team All Pro at outside linebacker and defensive end. While he doesn't show up twice on this time around, there was no doubt he'd appear in the appropriate spot.
Mack was named a first-team All Pro on Friday morning. It's a more prestigious honor than the Pro Bowl because the first teams includes just one player at each position.
He isn't the only Raider on the list.
Kelechi Osemele was the All-Pro team's left guard, a deserved honor after a monster season. The team's highest-paid player lived up to his massive contract, and brought a nastiness to Raiders offensive line play. There aren't many stats to support Osemele's dominance, but he has excellent in pass protection and run blocking during this regular season, a central figure in the AFC's finest offensive line.
Mack had fewer sacks than a year ago but may have had a better overall season. He has 73 tackles, 11 sacks, five forced fumbles and an interception returned for a touchdown this year.
Sports
He ranks among the frontrunners to win the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year award.
Raiders punter Marquette King was named to the second-team All-Pro.
