2015 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Benardrick McKinney
Oct 11, 2014; Starkville, MS, USA; Auburn Tigers quarterback Nick Marshall (14) scrambles up the field under pressure form Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive lineman Kaleb Eulls (92) and linebacker Benardrick McKinney (50) during the first quarter at Davis Wade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Scouts’ Take
CBSSports.com’s Dane Brugler and Rob Rang said of McKinney, “Value lies in his versatility and raw athleticism. He lines up all over the field for the Bulldogs, taking snaps and middle linebacker as well as rushing off either edge. His athleticism has been well documented, with McKinney reportedly clocking in the 4.5s and posting a 34-inch vertical leap at 6’5”, 245 pounds.
Overly reliant on speed when rushing the quarterback, showing limited hand technique to defeat blocks once engaged. This issue comes into play not only when rushing the passer but also against the run where McKinney looks to slip past blockers rather than showing the aggression and strength to truly stack and shed. Not a sudden mover that lacks ideal range, causing him to struggle with coverage responsibilities.”
Lance Zlerlein of NFL.com said, “Tall, proportionally built inside linebacker that can play outside. Has thick, powerful legs. Good straight line-speed to chase. A true take-on linebacker who can meet linemen head-on or beat them to a spot and leverage his gap with above average play strength. Aware of cutback lanes and rarely runs himself out of a play.
Plays high, lacking suddenness. High center of gravity causes clunky change of direction in space. Foot quickness in tight quarters is below average and limiting. Has trouble clearing the trash near his feet and labors against cut blocks losing lateral momentum. Potential liability against the pass. Looks stiff when asked to cover in space and gives away too much separation to routes to his area in zone coverage.
Next: My Take
Sep 20, 2014; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs linebacker Benardrick McKinney (50) tackles LSU Tigers running back Terrence Magee (18) during the second half of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mississippi State defeated LSU 34-29. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
My Take
The scouts nailed it on this one except when Zlerlein called him a “true take-on linebacker.” So I’ll just put everything into simple words and say McKinney is the quintessential skill-position bully. He’ll bring the hat when it comes to skill-position players but he won’t run full speed into an offensive lineman to blow up a play like Denzel Perryman.
Instead of a destroy anything that gets in my path mentality, McKinney has more of the chose the right guy approach. And he prefers the targets he chooses to be extremely physical with to be somewhere between the tackles. McKinney is darn-near hopeless out in space as even quarterbacks have broken his ankles with some of the opportunities he’s had out there plus he can’t cover.
He does have a nose for the ball but that does you no good when you have to put a move on every offensive lineman that comes your way. He should be moved to the outside where he can at least use his speed to get around the corner to the quarterback. Thumpers and regulators belong inside and McKinney isn’t physical enough with big men to be that.
Next: Bottom Line