Pittsburgh Steelers Draft Watch: UCLA EDGE Takkarist McKinley

EDGE Takkarist McKinley, UCLA

Strengths

• Impressive speed-to-power conversion off the edge
• Fluid athlete in space with seamless COD
• Quickness off the snap to split blocks for splash plays in run support
• Disruptive against the run when he maintains leverage
• Extreme high effort player with a relentless motor

Weaknesses

• Plays with an inconsistent pad level
• Needs to develop pass rushing moves off the edge
• Undeveloped hand usage, mostly relies on natural athleticism and power
• Very raw, heigh ceiling prospect

Highlight

Player Analysis

Takkarist McKinley is a 21 year old EDGE rusher with one of the highest ceilings in the upcoming NFL Draft. After showing impressive flashes of athleticism in his first two seasons, McKinley broke out in his Junior campaign to the tune of 61 tackles, 18 TFLs, 10 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles.

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McKinley is one of the most remarkable athletes in College Football. He possess a unique combination of speed and size. Despite the fact that he stands at 6-2 265 lbs, McKinley has promised he will run a 4.40 in the 40 yard dash in Indy. That kind of athleticism is practically unheard of. To say the least McKinley would be an ideal fit in Pittsburgh’s new breed of young, athletic defenders.

McKinley’s greatest strengths all revolve around his athleticism. His natural displays of power, quickness, range, and closing bursts are why his stock has been soaring. Additionally, McKinley plays with one of the best motors in College Football.

However, McKinley is still extremely raw as a prospect. His disruptiveness is attributed more to his athleticism than his technique. McKinley fails to demonstrate many refined pass rushing moves and has room to improve in terms of his hand usage.

Furthermore, McKinley too often plays with a high pad level. These are traits that McKinley will certainly need to improve, especially if he wishes to play as an OLB in Pittsburgh’s 3-4 defense.