Fansided

Each NFL team’s biggest breakout candidate

By Conor Dorney

Mandatory Credit: Justin Edmonds/Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Justin Edmonds/Getty Images /
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TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 18: Defensive end Takkarist McKinley #98 of the Atlanta Falcons wraps up quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to cause a fumble in the second quarter on December 18, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 18: Defensive end Takkarist McKinley #98 of the Atlanta Falcons wraps up quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to cause a fumble in the second quarter on December 18, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

Atlanta Falcons – Takkarist McKinley

After losing Adrian Clayborn and Dontari Poe in free agency, all eyes will turn to 2017 first-round pick Takkarist McKinley to add a pass-rushing presence to the Falcons’ defense this season.

Possessing an already-deep front seven, Atlanta was able to ease McKinley into playing time during his rookie year but his snaps should see a steep increase in 2018. McKinley was at his best towards the end of the season, which the team is hoping is a sign of things to come.

With Grady Jarrett entering a contract year and Vic Beasley slated to hit free agency following the 2019 season, the Falcons must do all they can do get production out of McKinley during his rookie deal. McKinley is the type of player who possesses a great blend of speed and power and I wouldn’t say it’s a stretch to imagine he could become one of the NFC’s best pass rushers within the next few years.

Despite all their pass rushing talent, Atlanta finished in the middle of the league in sacks last season (including the ridiculous 6-sack game from Clayborn), so McKinley improving on his strong finish at the end of 2017 will be huge in determining just how far the Falcons will make it an an ultra-tough NFC playoff race.

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