2017 NFL Mock Draft: Myles Garrett leads the way
By Brad Weiss
Takkarist McKinley
DE, UCLA
It has been a very busy offseason for the Pittsburgh Steelers, who spent the time bringing back the core of their offense in recent weeks. Star wide receiver Antonio Brown, and standout running back Le’Veon Bell will both be back in 2017, and it looks like quarterback Ben Roethlisberger will be returning as well. The Steelers made it all the way to the AFC Championship Game last season, but showed some serious issues on the defensive side of the ball in their blowout loss.
While Big Ben, Brown, and Bell are returning on offense, the defense got a boost this offseason as well. Star linebacker James Harrison signed on for two more seasons, giving the Steelers a little more time with the unquestioned leader of their defense. As the team looks to the future, they need a player who is going to have that same kind of impact on that side of the ball, and Takkarist McKinley could prove to be a top-flight player very soon.
McKinley has had some issues with his shoulder during his time at UCLA, and that is the only reason he is not a top-ten draft pick. He has the size and speed to play all over the defensive line, and just may end up being one of the top players to come out of this draft class. The Steelers need good, young depth on their defense, and McKinley gives you the kind of player who can be a playmaker from day one along the defensive line.