Fansided

2017 NFL Draft: Christian McCaffrey rushes into first round

By George Stockburger

Nov 19, 2016; Berkeley, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) points to the sky in celebration after a touchdown against the California Golden Bears during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. Stanford defeated California 45-31. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Berkeley, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) points to the sky in celebration after a touchdown against the California Golden Bears during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. Stanford defeated California 45-31. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
October 1, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Takkarist McKinley (98) brings down Arizona Wildcats quarterback Khalil Tate (14) during the second half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
October 1, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins defensive lineman Takkarist McKinley (98) brings down Arizona Wildcats quarterback Khalil Tate (14) during the second half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Stock Down: Takkarist McKinley, DL, UCLA

Only a couple of weeks ago we talked about how Takkarist McKinley was a rising star as a pass rusher for UCLA. Since his meteoric rise, his stock has fallen back to earth with some inefficient games.

McKinley had his first game without a sack since October 8 last week against USC, a game that got away from the Bruins. Sam Darnold was able to complete 35-of-36 pass attempts, two of which went for touchdowns. UCLA managed just one sack on the freshman quarterback, who was never hurried in the entire game.

Not having McKinley playing at his best hurt UCLA from not only beating USC, but becoming bowl eligible. The Bruins needed that game to stay in the conversation for an extra game, but the lack of support from McKinley on defense may have cost them.

Next: 2016 FanSided Fan of the Year

McKinley will be one of the great mysteries to this years class of college pass rushers. In years past it was players such as Michigan’s Shilique Calhoun or Baylor’s Shawn Oakman who talent evaluators could not put their finger on. This year it will be McKinley who bears that distinction despite his 10 sacks.

Home/NFL