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Recently, the Atlanta Falcons relinquished their 2017 first-round pick against defensive end Takk McKinley.
McKinley’s tenure in Atlanta was in dire straits before his release, as the Falcons turned down his fifth-year option last offseason.
On the waivers, the Cincinnati Bengals claimed the passer, seeking to strengthen their defensive line.
McKinley hit the waiver thread again, however, due to physical failure. No further details were given.
The first time McKinley landed on waivers – outside of the Bengals – the Las Vegas Raiders, the Cleveland Browns and the San Francisco 49ers would all have made a claim.
Who knows if these were the only teams, but the Lions were never mentioned. That’s probably a big clue as to whether the Lions would make a claim this time around.
Without further ado, here are the pros and cons of acquiring the former first-round pick by the Lions.
Benefits
Versatility
With its ability to stand on the edge and play with its hand in the dirt, it offers a certain versatility that the head coach Matt Patricia might like.
Its use would be similar to that of current Lions EDGE defenders Austin Bryant and Julian Okwara, who is currently injured.
There was a reason McKinley was a first-round selection.
Cut
He is 6 feet 2 inches tall, weighs at least 250 pounds, and has 34 3/4 inch arms.
He has the size and arm length to be a JACK funder in Patricia’s program.
And throughout his career, he’s proven to be a competent pass-rusher, with 17.5 sacks to his name.
The inconvenients
Adapted culture
For a Lions team that wants a top-notch personality and prioritizes cultural adjustments, McKinley may not fall into this category.
He took part in a Twitter tirade against the Falcons, while still in the organization, and was fined his team.
It doesn’t sound like the type of character Detroit GM Bob Quinn wants in his locker room.
Injury Status
He missed four games with a groin injury this season and finished last season on reserve with an injured reserve due to a shoulder injury.
His physical failure indicates that his groin disease could continue to be a lingering problem for the rest of the season.
And that could very well be a put-off for a Lions team looking for help with passing.
Overall, McKinley has seen his fair share of ups and downs throughout his career.
He had a total of 13 sacks in his first two seasons in the NFL. This year and last, however, he recorded a total of 4.5 sacks.
Since joining the league in 2017 with the Falcons, he’s been an average all-rounder.
AT On this point, McKinley doesn’t appear to be a cultural fit, is a bigger name than he provides on the pitch, and has an injury he faces.
For a team like the Lions that are very specific with the type of players they are targeting, it would be abnormal for them to make a claim or sign McKinley on the road, if he is available.
If this desperate Lions regime is to take a chance on a must see season, there might be a flyer, however, on a top player in need.
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