Dallas Cowboys 2017 NFL Draft: Five Defensive End Prospects

 Takkarist McKinley, OLB – UCLA

Strengths

A few things jump out immediately when I watch the film on UCLA Bruins outside linebacker Takkarist McKinley.  The first thing I notice with “Takk” is his impressive speed.  It is evident throughout the entire play;  he has a burst off the snap, is fast around the corner and closes with impressive quickness.

He is very mobile for a big man and has excellent change of direction ability.  It is this trait that sets up a very effective counter move to the inside.  It also makes him smooth as he runs stunts along the line.

McKinley is the definition of a high motor guy.  He doesn’t give up on the pass rush if he is blocked, instead he gets after it until the whistle is blown.  He also displays the same hustle chasing down running backs and racing downfield to make blocks after turnovers.

Weaknesses

Takkarist is still very raw and that is evident on film as well.  He can be better against the run, though not entirely a liability.  He has a capable bull rush but it will only get better with added strength.  Equipped with a mean punch due mostly to power and explosiveness, but very often fails to win with strength if that initial punch is stopped.  Many of his issues are also caused when he gets his pad level too high.

The athletic Bruins linebacker needs plenty work on his technique as well.  He hasn’t developed many pass rush moves outside of a speed rush, a counter and the aforementioned, somewhat effective, bull rush.  He will need to increase his arsenal to really be a force in the National Football League.  It would also suit him to learn to use his hands better when taking on tackles at the next level or he will have some major growing pains.

Outlook for the Dallas Cowboys

I think his athletic traits, non-stop motor and high ceiling will see him rise on draft day.  Some believe Takk is better suited as a 3-4 outside linebacker.  His lack of strength and sub-par hand usage, they say, would make playing as a 4-3 defensive end a struggle against the big uglies in the NFL.

I disagree.  I didn’t see McKinley drop into coverage more than a handful of times in the four games I reviewed and I don’t care to.  Takkarist McKinley is a force when he is penetrating the backfield and I see no reason to ask him to do otherwise.

That being said added bulk and strength with refined hand usage and pass rush moves could make the position change a possibility.  I would even consider having him come in as a pass rush specialist, much in the way we envisioned using Randy Gregory, until he gets strong enough to play three downs consistently.