According to a recent report, the Detroit Lions have a very strong interest in UCLA edge prospect, Takkarist McKinley. The Lions, who are in need of a pass rusher, are said to be highly impressed with McKinley’s skills and are considering selecting him in the upcoming NFL draft.
McKinley, a 6-foot-2, 265-pound defensive end, had a breakout season at UCLA in 2016, recording 10 sacks and 18 tackles for loss. He is known for his speed, agility, and strength, which allow him to be a dominant force on the edge.
The Lions, who finished the 2022 season with a 3-13-1 record, are in desperate need of a pass rusher. They had just 24 sacks as a team last season, which ranked 30th in the NFL. McKinley’s addition would provide a much-needed boost to the Lions’ pass rush.
The report states that the Lions have been impressed with McKinley’s athleticism and technique, and believe he has the potential to be a top-tier pass rusher in the NFL. They have also been impressed with his work ethic and dedication to improving his craft.
While the Lions have a strong interest in McKinley, it’s worth noting that they are not the only team interested in the UCLA prospect. Several other teams, including the Atlanta Falcons and the Tennessee Titans, are also said to be interested in selecting McKinley in the draft.
The NFL draft is scheduled to take place on April 27-29, and the Lions will have the 21st overall pick in the first round. While it’s impossible to predict with certainty who the Lions will select, it’s clear that McKinley is a prospect they are highly interested in.
If the Lions were to select McKinley, it would be a significant addition to their defense. McKinley’s pass-rushing abilities would provide a much-needed boost to the Lions’ defense, and would help to improve their overall performance.