Takk McKinley NFL.com draft profile (2017 Draft / Round: 1 / Pick: 26)

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TAKKARIST MCKINLEY UCLA DE

Prospect Info
COLLEGE
UCLA

HEIGHT
6' 2"

WEIGHT
250 lbs

ARMS
34 3/4"

HANDS
9 3/4"

Prospect Grade
6.70
Year 1 Starter

2017 Draft Results
DRAFTED BY
Atlanta Falcons
Round 1 ‧ Pick 26

Combine Results

40 Yard Dash
4.59

Bench Press
24

Vertical Jump
33

Broad Jump
122

3 Cone Drill
7.48

20 Yd Shuttle
4.62


Player Bio
McKinley signed with Cal coming out of high school but failed to qualify academically. He went to Contra Costa College in 2013, winning all-league recognition with 18 tackles for loss and 10 sacks. He transferred to UCLA the following year, once his grades were settled. McKinley played in 10 games, starting one, that season (six tackles, 3.5 for loss, 2.5 sacks). He started 12 games as a junior, really beginning to show promise as a pass rusher (7.5 tackles, 4.5 sacks, four pass breakups, two forced fumbles). "Tak" stepped out in his senior year, receiving first-team All-Pac-12 notice with 18 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, and six pass breakups.


Analysis
By Lance Zierlein
NFL Analyst
NFL Comparison
Tamba Hali

Overview
Ascending edge prospect who racked up impressive TFL and sack numbers this year despite a relatively raw approach and skill set. He's a little stiff in his lower body, but flashes good athleticism once the ball is snapped. McKinley's motor is a translatable characteristic, but improved hand usage and pass rush mechanics are what could elevate his game to another level as a starting, 3-4 outside linebacker.

Strengths
Relentless worker bee on the field
Refuses to give offensive tackles a snap to catch their breath
Not a content player and is always charging towards the ball
Plus closing burst to sideline enables contain
Makes as many effort plays as anyone in the Pac 12
Unusually adept at bouncing off of blocks and maintaining play focus
Good stop/start change of direction talent
Long strides eat up ground in space
Scouts expect a strong forty time at combine
Combines speed with long arms for increased tackle radius
Became a playmaker
Saw 36 percent of his tackles come within two yards or less of line of scrimmage while sack total spiked considerably
Spins out of wash down blocks to work back towards the play
Consistently stuffs cut attempts
Raw, but pass rush flashes some speed to power
Pass rush counters fueled by lateral agility and effort

Weaknesses
Hand skill and overall usage is completely uncultivated and impedes pass rush potential
Lacks slaps, swipes and a serviceable rip move to grease the edge as a rusher
Punch has very little force
Needs to get hands and feet need in unison
Long arms are irrelevant at times due to slow punch
Lacks bend around the edge
Upright pass rush allows tackles to flatten him up and over the rush arc with just an average punch
Movements are a little bit stiff
Redirected too easily
Needs to continue to add play strength
Success predicated on effort over rush talent and functional power
Needs to combine all three elements to his game

Sources Tell Us
"He was my sleeper headed into the season, but that went out the window with the season he had this year. I think he's a second rounder who needs time but he'll probably get overdrafted. He's going to be a productive pro." - AFC area scout