Cleveland Browns: Five Non-QB Options For The 12th Overall Pick
By Ryan Rosko
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Like Hooker, some teams may be a bit a hesitant in selecting UCLA EDGE Takkarist McKinley. The former UCLA product is recovering from shoulder surgery.
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Although that is a natural feeling, the tape is what is what it is and McKinley is too talented to not be a top 15 pick. A bit too rich for some possibly and I understand that, but I do not have the same opinion.
In most cases McKinley should be a defensive end. However, he is more than just a defensive end, and when used as an EDGE, his still set can and will continue to transfer over.
In defensive coordinator Gregg Williams’ defense, McKinley could push defensive end Carl Nassib for playing time or be considered as a key piece in the linebacker corps. Regardless of where McKinley lines up, he is going to make plays.
Given the countless variety of looks Williams has in his arsenal, McKinley would have a floater role and should excel in it from the get-go. McKinley has not received the hype that Tennessee’s Derek Barnett and Michigan’s Taco Charlton has. As we get closer to the draft, that should change. If it does not, I will be shocked!
McKinley continued to make progress each year in the PAC -12. According to sports-reference.com, McKinley had one heck of a stat line in 2016: 61 tackles, 18 for a loss, 10 sacks, six passes deflected, and three forced fumbles.