NFL Draft 2017: Takkarist McKinley draws Tamba Hali comparisons
By Matt Conner
UCLA pass rusher Takkarist McKinley is drawing comparisons to Kansas City Chiefs great Tamba Hali as he enters the NFL Draft.
The Kansas City Chiefs knew they were onto something when they first selected Tamba Hali in the first round of the 2006 NFL Draft at No. 20 overall. With a constant motor and incredible work ethic, Hali has rewarded the Chiefs ever since with 89.5 career sacks, 33 forced fumbles and a total of 5 Pro Bowl appearances to his credit.
The team who takes UCLA pass rusher Takkarist McKinley in the 2017 NFL Draft will certainly hope for similar results when they turn in the card with his name. The good news: McKinley is drawing comparisons to Hali before he even enters the NFL, as he’s also known for being relentless in his attempts to get to the quarterback.
In a recent mock draft at SB Nation, the Kansas City Chiefs are the very team taking McKinley in the first round at No. 27 overall, an apt pick for a team who could use another edge rusher heading into 2017 and beyond. The Chiefs front seven is likely to undergo serious changes in the next two seasons and McKinley’s presence could go a long way. McKinley is often mocked well before the late first round, however, so it would be interesting to see if the Chiefs even have a chance to select him.
McKinley had 18 tackles for loss and 10 sacks last year for the Bruins. He also forced a career-high 3 fumbles.