Takkarist McKinley

McKinley is one of the most pivotal players for this 2019 Falcons defense. A No. 26 overall pick of Atlanta in 2017, McKinley has shown flashes of brilliance in the early stages of his NFL career, but hasn't quite broken out into the Pro Bowl-caliber edge rusher that he is capable of becoming. In two professional seasons since playing his final game at UCLA, McKinley has amassed 13 sacks, 25 QB hits, 14 tackles for loss and two forced fumbles, while also tallying a sack in each of his two playoff appearances. McKinley has dealt with shoulder issues dating back to the late stages of his collegiate career, but so far has toughed his way through by suiting up for 33 of a possible 34 regular and postseason contests. If near 100 percent as reported to be, he has potential to erupt in 2019 -- especially if Vic Beasley can generate consistent pressure from the opposite side.

After being selected in the first round of the 2017 draft, McKinley had a solid rookie campaign, playing in all 16 games while accumulating six sacks and two forced fumbles as a role player for the Falcons' ninth-ranked defense. The 230-pound end made his presence felt in the postseason as well, recording a sack in both of the team's playoff games against the Rams and Eagles. McKinley was on the field for only 33.8 percent of the team's defensive snaps last year, but with the departures of Dontari Poe and Adrian Clayborn over the offseason, the second-year man out of UCLA is likely to have a more integral role.

After playing his freshman season at Contra Costa College, McKinley sorted out his grades and transferred to UCLA, where he showed promise as a sophomore and became a regular contributor as an upperclassman. In his senior season, he finished the year with 10 sacks and 18 tackles for loss. He was eventually selected by the Falcons, who moved up in the draft to take him with the 26th pick in the 2017 draft. However, the Falcons may ease him into the system out of the gate, as he's recovering from shoulder surgery he underwent in early March. The 4-to-6 month recovery timetable means he may not be back to full contact by the start of training camp. He certainly figures to work into the defensive end rotation in his first season, but he may not have a starting role when Week 1 rolls around. Even in a limited role, he should be able to find the quarterback a few times if defenses shift their attention to linebacker Vic Beasley, who led the league in sacks last season and will line up opposite McKinley when the rook is on the field.