Broncos Roster Review: DT Isaiah Mack

After his NFL debut in 2019, defensive tackle Isaiah Mack spent most of his time with the Tennessee Titans, but recently played for the New England Patriots. In February, the Broncos brought him to Denver.

Here’s just a small glance at the player, ahead of Denver’s 2021 season.

Background

Mack began his college career with the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2015 and played 13 games, recording 54 tackles (24 solo, 30 assists), nine tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.

He followed up in 2016 with 13 games played, 36 tackles (19 solo, 17 assists), 14 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks.

Mack earned the Second-Team All-SoCon in 2017, playing 11 games for 54 tackles (28 solo, 26 assists), seven tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks.

In 2018 he was named SoCon Defensive Player of the Year and First-Team All-SoCon, having recorded 11 games, 78 tackles (39 solo, 39 assists), 11 tackles for loss, and 8.5 sacks.

Throughout his time with the Mocs, Mack completed a total of 48 games, 110 solo tackles (112 assists), three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and 21 sacks.

After going undrafted in 2019, the DT was signed to the Tennessee Titans. He played 13 games, starting one of them, and secured a fumble recovery, 1.5 sacks, eight tackles (four of those being assists and one being a TFL), and two quarterback hits.

In 2020 Mack played two games for the Titans, assisting in a tackle. He was waved by the team in November and signed to the Patriots, where he appeared in six games and recorded two tackles (one assisted) and a quarterback hit.

Shortly after Mack’s practice squad contract with New England expired in January, he was signed to the Broncos.

NFL Stats & Pro Day Scores

(per NFL Combine Results and Pro Football Reference)

Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 299 pounds
Arm Length: 31.95 inches
Hand Size: 9.63 inches
40 YD Dash: 4.99 seconds
20 YD Split: 2.90 seconds
10 YD Split: 1.68 seconds

2019 (TEN) - 13 games played (one started); one fumble recovery, 1.5 sacks, eight tackles (four assisted, four solo); one tackle for loss, two quarterback hits

2020 (TEN) - six games played; two tackles (one assisted, one solo); one quarterback hit

2020 (NE) - two games played; one tackle (assisted)

The good & the bad

GOOD: There’s a lot of potential for Mack. At 6’1” and 299, his size is ideal for a powerful defensive tackle. He also has good form and tends to line up his hips and feet with the quarterback, something he said he learned in Tennessee’s training camp, and something that aids him in getting quarterback hits.

Although he’s only started one game in his pro career, the DT has shown that he can get to the quarterback and stop the run game. Even with a limited amount of snaps played, he’s been disruptive against the offenses he’s faced.

Despite being split between Tennessee and New England last year, Mack still spent almost two years building his skills with the same team (TEN) and he excelled in training camp, making the 53-man roster both seasons in a row.

BAD(ish): Mack lacks significant starting experience, having started only one game in 2019 and none in 2020. This is not a huge deal, considering he’s only in his third year. There’s time and room ahead of him.

What Mack can add to the roster

Mack’s going to add good depth to the Broncos’ defense in 2021, joining a line that includes Dre’Mont Jones, DeShawn Williams, and Shelby Harris.

Considering he made the Titans’ roster for two years in a row, I have little doubt that he’ll make it through Denver’s training camp and secure his spot at least as a rotational backup for this year. Who knows, maybe he’ll start in the future.