Los Angeles Chargers edge rusher Khalil Mack is coming off arguably the best year of his career at the age of 32. But it wasn’t just the best year of his career, his 2023 was one of the best seasons ever by a defender over 30. Only he, Michael Strahan, and Robert Mathis have tallied 17 or more sacks at the age of 32 or older.
It should come as no surprise that his effort is being recognized by the football tastemakers. The 33rd Team’s and former general manager of the Minnesota Vikings, Jeff Diamond is one of those whose eye was caught by Mack. He named him to his recent ranking of the best NFL players over 30.
Los Angeles Chargers Edge Khalil Mack Name To Best Over 30 Ranking
Diamond ranked Mack as the 8th-best player overall and the second-best 30-plus defender, trailing just Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle, Chris Jones. Jones claimed the top spot and just turned 30 at the beginning of July. Mack beat out three other defenders to make the list Bobby Wagner (12th), DeForest Buckner (15th), and C.J. Mosley (16th).
The list of 20 was made up of seven 30-year-olds, two 31-year-olds, three 32-year-olds, two 33-year-olds, and four 34-year-olds, a 35-year-old and the 36-year-old Matthew Stafford gets the distinction of the oldest player to make the list.
Here is Diamond’s case for Mack;
Khalil Mack had a bounce-back year sack-wise in 2023 as he ranked fourth in the league with 17 sacks. This followed four straight years without double-digit sacks after producing at that level in four of his first five seasons (in 2015-2017 with the Raiders after being their first-round pick in 2014 and then in 2018 with the Bears after being traded from Oakland).
Mack added 22 QB hits, 74 tackles and 21 tackles for loss last season as an impact player against the pass and run. He’s a four-time All-Pro and has made eight Pro Bowls including the past two years with the Chargers following his trade from Chicago.
