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PFF scouting report: Takkarist McKinley, Edge, UCLA

LAS VEGAS, NV - SEPTEMBER 12: Takkarist McKinley #98 and Jaleel Wadood #2 of the UCLA Bruins celebrate blocking a punt during their game against the UNLV Rebels at Sam Boyd Stadium on September 12, 2015 in Las Vegas, Nevada. UCLA won 37-3. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images)

Name: Takkarist McKinley 

School: UCLA

Position fit: 3-4 outside linebacker or 4-3 defensive end

Stats to know: McKinley's 16 combined sacks and hits were the most in Pac-12 play this past season.

What he does best:

  • Angle-changing burst off the line of scrimmage is enough to get tackles to overset
  • Special straight-line speed when chasing down plays
  • Impressive start/stop when he wants to counter
  • Extremely active hands; doesn’t have a lot of clean losses
  • Success as a pass-rusher from both sides; 32 pressures lined up on right, 24 on left
  • Fantastic length for his size (34 ¾” arms) and knows how to use it
  • Plays low in the run game, allowing him to get under blockers and play with good leverage against the ball carrier

Biggest concern:

  • Wore down easily; had some very low-effort reps
  • Limited to the edge only, and may be limited to playing with his hand off the ground
  • Most of his “wow” plays come unblocked and not defeating blocks
  • Disappeared in a handful of game (Washington State, Arizona State)
  • Doesn’t turn the corner extremely well, despite his burst

Player comparison: Shane Ray, Denver Broncos 

Ray and McKinley both love to challenge tackles upfield before playing the hands game. Neither profiles as a huge factor in the run game, but if they are winning as a pass-rusher, does it matter?

Bottom line:

Not many pass-rushers in this class can match some of the raw traits that McKinley possesses. His explosiveness and length are rare for the position. There’s much more that goes into being a successful pass-rusher than just that, though, and it’s the other things that cause concern. He’s still very raw and has a ways to go before he can be a dominant rusher at the next level.

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