The Lions Are Projected To Take Takkarist McKinley With The Number 21 Pick In The 2017 NFL Draft.
This series is to give a look at who Matt Miller, NFL Draft Lead Writer from Bleacher Report, has us taking in his mock drafts as the season goes on. We will be breaking down who we “take” and if the player would be a good or bad fit for the team.
Matt Miller has had a range of picks for Detroit. In the many mock drafts he has created, he has given Detroit; safety Jabrill Peppers from Michigan, defensive lineman Malik McDowell from Michigan State, safety Jamal Adams from LSU, defensive lineman Caleb Brantley from Florida and cornerback Sidney Jones from Washington.
With the newest mock he has Detroit taking Takkarist McKinley, a defensive end from UCLA.
Does Takkarist McKinley Fill A Need?
Yes. Detroit needs help on the defensive line, at the end and the tackle position. McKinley is another great edge rusher Detroit could bring. While Kerry Hyder did impress us this season, his stat line decreased throughout the season as there was no consistency from him. McKinley to Detroit would bring some help on one of the weakest parts of the defense.
Is Takkarist McKinley A Good Or Bad Fit?
McKinley is a good fit for Detroit. While he mostly plays on the same side Ziggy Ansah does, him switching shouldn’t be that big of a change for him. McKinley is able to get underneath the pad level of most tackles and guards, disrupting passing plays. He puts his hands up if passes go his way and he can read option plays well for a defensive end.
McKinley does suffer from stopping the run and he can be held out on some passing plays. Also something that we saw Devin Taylor, Ziggy Ansah and Haloti Ngata do that we didn’t like, he dropped in zone coverage a few times which isn’t what a defensive end is supposed to do. Mckinley was able to get 61 tackles, 18 for loss, 10 sacks, six pass deflections, three forced fumbles and a fumble recovery for UCLA in 2016. Getting him at the 21 spot would be a perfect fit, as he isn’t a stud like Myles Garrett, he still can do what we need in Detroit and that is another player that can disturb quarterbacks and force them to make mistakes. If Detroit drafts him, get excited Lions fans.
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