2017 NFL Mock Draft: Projecting What Could Happen in the First Round
16. Ravens: Takk McKinley, Outside Linebacker
Top Needs: WR, TE, ILB, OLB
The Baltimore Ravens are getting ancient in their once-great defense, and 12th-best and number-one rankings by opponent-adjusted Defensive Passing and Rushing NEP per play respectively will soon topple if they don’t add youth. That’s why they take UCLA edge-rusher Takk McKinley here.
McKinley is a work in progress defending the run, but he has all the upside in the world to be a three-down threat. His speed is his defining characteristic, and his quickness beats even the most athletic offensive tackles. He has long arms to use as leverage, and converts speed to power well. He needs to improve his pass-rushing moves and sequence them to maximize his physical abilities, though.
McKinley broke out in a big way in his senior 2016 with a ridiculous 61 total tackles, 10.0 sacks, and 18.0 stuffs despite his raw toolkit of technique. McKinley could become the next great Ravens edge player if he can hone his practice.
