Pro Football Focus predicts big year for Atlanta Falcons DE Takk McKinley

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.