Mack was the top reserve to Marvin Philip as a freshman at Cal, but moved into the starting lineup as a sophomore and has held the job since. He is a three time All Pac 10 1st team honoree, and is a two time All American.
Strengths
Mack is a physical lineman that can dominate at the point of attack. He is very powerful and is very difficult to disengage from if he gets his hands on you. Mack will drive defenders off the ball and on to their backs in the running game. In pass protection, his hand punch keeps the defender in front of him. Mack also shows the ability to pull and block on the move. Mack has started every game over the past two seasons and has been a rock for the Bears on the interior line.
Weaknesses
One of the problems with Mack is that he plays a position that is not in high demand generally in April. As either a guard or center, he will have to dominate to even crack the first round. As a player, he can have some trouble with quicker interior lineman that can change direction well. He will need to improve his footwork because he will face more of those lineman in the NFL, and he won’t be able to neutralize most of them with his natural strength.
Future
Mack is the top center in the draft. Max Unger will battle to be the top center selected, but Unger could be selected because of his ability to play other spots. Mack sealed that as a senior and has followed it up with a solid showing in the post season.