Draft Information by: Years, Teams, Positions

Benardrick McKinney (Mississippi St.) - 2015 NFL Draft Pick #43 by HOU

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Pre-Draft Analysis for Benardrick McKinney - 2015 NFL Draft

Position: Linebacker

College: Mississippi State

Overview

Benardrick McKinney emerged as one of the top linebacker prospects in the 2015 NFL Draft after a standout career at Mississippi State. Known for his size, athleticism, and playmaking ability, McKinney was a key contributor to his college team's defense.

Strengths

• Size and Athleticism: Standing at 6'4" and weighing around 250 pounds, McKinney possesses the ideal frame for a linebacker. His combination of size and speed allows him to cover a lot of ground on the field.
• Physicality: McKinney is known for his aggressive playing style. He is not afraid to take on blocks and is effective at shedding them to make tackles.
• Instincts: He has a good understanding of the game and demonstrates solid instincts when diagnosing plays. This enables him to react quickly and make impactful plays.
• Versatility: McKinney has the ability to play both inside and outside linebacker, showcasing his adaptability to different defensive schemes.

Weaknesses

• Coverage Skills: While he possesses decent athleticism, McKinney's coverage skills are still a work in progress. He may struggle against faster running backs and tight ends in space.
• Consistency: At times, McKinney can be inconsistent in his tackling technique and decision-making, which could lead to missed tackles or blown assignments.

Overall Projection

Benardrick McKinney was projected to be selected in the early to mid-second round of the 2015 NFL Draft. His combination of size, athleticism, and physical play made him an attractive option for teams looking for a linebacker who can contribute immediately and develop into a star player.

Teams looking for a linebacker with the potential to make an impact on both the run and pass defense would find McKinney to be an enticing prospect.