2017 NFL Draft Profile: Takkarist McKinley

Takkarist McKinley, UCLA
6-2, 250
McKinley was an original California commit, but failed to gain entry based on academic performance out of high school. He attended Contra Costa JC, and was named all conference in his lone season there, and then transferred to UCLA once his academic issues were solved. He spent three seasons with the Bruins.
As a sophomore, he recorded five tackles,3.5 TFLs, and 2.5 sacks. As a junior, he became a main stream player, and recorded 35 tackles, 7.5 TFLs, 4.5 sacks, four PBUs, and two forced fumbles.
As a senior, he racked up 61 tackles, 18 TFLs, 10 sacks, six PBUs, three QB hurries, and three forced fumbles.
He was named first team All-PAC 12 as a senior.
The Good
High motor player, always working in the field to make the play. Does not take plays off.
Bounces around and still goes after the play.
Not a biter on play fakes.
Pure speed and power combo with solid foot churn.
Works quickly off of the edge.
Solid ball raking skills, always reaching for the football.
Solid balance, and does not see the ground much.
His first step is lightning, especially from upright position off of the snap.
Legs are always churning.
Collapses a pocket very quickly, and will push bigger lockers back.
Can also play inside or outside at LB.
The Bad
does not always get his arms extended to create separation.
Takes the long raod into the backfield sometimes with a wide ranging arc to the ball.
Does not always separate from blockers, and will ride the wave all the way in.
His arms are all over the place at times, with some seriously wasted movements.
Undersized for the DE position, and will almost certainly have to kick to playing LB.
Needs to add some bulk to the frame that he does have.
Still shows some rawness in technique.
Final Overview
McKinley is a high motor and effort player who needs to add bulk and overall technique to his game. He is a speed edge guy who needs to add some complimentary moves to his game and shorten his approach to the backfield. He had one very exciting season at UCLA, but he still has some work to do long term to become a serious starter in the league. He has the talent and athletic ability, now he needs to be refined. If that can happen, and I think that it can, he could be a very nice edge rush specialist in the NFL.