2017 NFL Scouting combine: 10 DE participants to watch for the Dallas Cowboys
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Takkarist McKinley, UCLA (6’2″, 258)
Takkarist McKinley has already been a popular pick by many “draft analysts” for the Dallas Cowboys with their first round selection in these pre-combine mock drafts. Unfortunately, with a good showing at the NFL Combine, he could shoot up draft boards, which would put him out of their reach at 28.
McKinley has the first-step explosiveness and non-stop motor that defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli could fall in love with. He has the speed, power, and athleticism to be a real difference maker as a right defensive end in the Cowboys 4-3 defensive scheme. He may just be the most physically gifted DE in the entire 2017 draft class.
I may actually be rooting against McKinley to perform well at the NFL combine. He is expected to run a sub 4.5 40 yard dash, which will likely mean he won’t end up being there when the Cowboys are on the clock at 28. But, he is still someone you will definitely want to keep an eye on throughout the entire combine process.
