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Atlanta Falcons defensive end Takk McKinley was on his way to Contra Costa College five years ago. Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” was dominating the charts and I had a lot more hair. A year later, Takk transferred to UCLA. Three years after that, he fulfilled the sacred promise he made his grandmother. Now one year into his career as a professional, Takk is making moves and doing things.
Pro Football Focus recently published their list of former first rounders poised for a breakout year. And guess what? Takk made their list.
Falcons edge defender Takkarist McKinley is in a great position to succeed given the team’s high-end talent in the trenches (Vic Beasley, Grady Jarrett) and his natural ability as a pass-rusher. Though he had just 39 total pressures (eight sacks, four hits, 27 hurries) in 2017, McKinley is seemingly far from his pass-rushing peak in the NFL.
It does feel like the best is yet to come for Takk. He did not rack up six regular sacks and two post-season sacks during his rookie year on accident. Multiple outlets are predicting a breakout year for Takk. 2018 isn’t a make or break year for him, but if Takk can build on his successful rookie campaign, the quarterbacks everywhere had better keep their heads on a swivel.