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Takkarist McKinley may be most entertaining Combine performer

By Sayre Bedinger

Sep 3, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies running back James White (20) is tackled by defensive lineman Eddie Vanderdoes (47) and defensive lineman Takkarist McKinley (98) and linebacker Jayon Brown (12) during a game at Kyle Field. Texas A&M won in overtime 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies running back James White (20) is tackled by defensive lineman Eddie Vanderdoes (47) and defensive lineman Takkarist McKinley (98) and linebacker Jayon Brown (12) during a game at Kyle Field. Texas A&M won in overtime 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports /
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At the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine, there may be no one more entertaining to watch perform than UCLA pass rusher Takkarist McKinley…

UCLA defensive end/edge defender Takkarist McKinley could perhaps be the most relentless player in the entire 2017 NFL Draft class. Watching him play is like watching a tornado rip around the football field.

Of course, McKinley combines his ferocious mentality with great skill and technique, which is why many are predicting he will be one of the top edge defenders in the draft. Just take a quick look:

Because of what we’ve seen on tape, it’s fair to think that McKinley could end up being one of the most fun players to watch at this year’s Scouting Combine. There’s nothing inherently special about the Combine, but being able to see World-class athletes show their skill is undeniably entertaining, at least for me.

McKinley, at 265 pounds, is promising some entertaining things:

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With what we’ve seen from McKinley on the field, I can only imagine what his workout habits are like. We’ll get a small taste of that in the coming days as he puts his skill on display for all to see, most importantly NFL coaches and scouts.

Last season at UCLA, McKinley racked up 61 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, six pass breakups, and three forced fumbles. He was sort of a late-bloomer at UCLA after initially going the Junior College route out of high school, but he looks primed to quickly join the NFL’s best young pass rushers.

For someone as athletic as McKinley, the Combine is a great opportunity to make some money. If he turns heads as expected, he will definitely find himself entrenched in first round discussion and could even ascend higher on draft boards than he already is.

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