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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Buccaneers Take Help Over the Top

By Alan Schechter

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UCLA defensive end Takkarist Mckinley speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; UCLA defensive end Takkarist Mckinley speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Lance Zierlein from NFL.com has compared Takkarist (Tak) McKinley to Tamba Hali in his draft profile, and it’s easy to see why. The young man just has something which makes you believe he’s got a bright future. While he’s raw in many aspects, the talent is there and he should be able to develop into a nice pro at this level.

The great thing for McKinley in this situation is he isn’t going to be asked to be the hero on the defense. He’ll have some nice pieces around him to help him come into his own as a rookie. Clay Matthews and the returning Nick Perry will also benefit from this selection as offensive linemen have their hands full with the never-ending pursuit McKinley brings to every snap.

Getting good defensive linemen in front of solid linebacker always leads to better play, and when the second level guys make plays in the offensive backfield, it can really affect the trajectory of a game.

Honestly, McKinley has a second-round grade for me, but in a class with a fairly shallow first-round pool of talent there’s going to be some reaching done in this part of the draft. As day one talent goes, Tak has some serious upside. While he does have a day two evaluation from me, he’s at the top of that group and should bring Packers fans years of fun.

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