Benardrick McKinney: 2015 NFL Draft Scouting Report
By Joe Wedra
Mississippi State ILB Benardrick McKinney provides some of the most interesting tape to break down looking ahead to the 2015 NFL Draft. He is listed by some as this year’s top inside linebacker, but others believe he isn’t even worth a pick in the first two rounds.
Here is a quick scouting report on McKinney, with a look at why he might be a first round selection.
STRENGTHS
McKinney clearly has a good feel for the inside linebacker spot. He has tremendous instincts that allow him to follow the ball effectively at the position. While some guys are simply raw, McKinney clearly does his study and has had plenty of reps at the spot throughout his career.
Athleticism is no problem here as McKinney flashes the skills of a bulldozing running back at times. He showed great burst on the blitz against UAB earlier in the year, and he’s a proven workhorse in the middle of the field. He’s fun to watch when he can turn it on!
Among the physical traits McKinney has, his hard-hitting tackling ability stands out. He can pack a punch, something NFL teams will enjoy on tape. Sometimes the best attributes can’t be measured at the Combine!
WEAKNESSES
While the skills are there, I worry that McKinney doesn’t have a ton of elite plays on his resume. He has shown that he can get stopped with the right game-plan (see Auburn game in 2014). I wish I could say McKinney is a fierce playmaker that is bound to be a difference-maker, but that’s tough. Right now, he seems to be an above-average, adequate option at ILB.
Here’s a quick breakdown from CBS Sports analyst Rob Rang on McKinney’s skills in pass coverage:
"Further, McKinney doesn’t possess ideal instincts in coverage, frequently drifting into No Man’s Land to keep an eye on the quarterback and losing his assignment. Too often McKinney is forced to turn away from the quarterback and sprint to his coverage responsibility. With his back turned to the action, McKinney isn’t in position to help should the quarterback scramble or dump off to another target."
DRAFT STOCK
Despite first-round rumors, I like McKinney as a Day Two player.