Is this former Falcons first-rounder a fit for Patriots pass rush?
By Jerry Trotta
Would former Falcons defensive end Takk McKinley be a good fit for the Patriots’ lackluster pass rush?
Any fans who were holding out hope that the New England Patriots had yet to hit their stride on defense look pretty foolish now after they surrendered 27 points to the winless New York Jets on Monday night, allowing washed veteran Joe Flacco to complete 72% of his pass attempts (18-of-25) for 262 yards and three touchdowns.
It wasn’t a game to remember for defensive-minded head coach Bill Belichick, and the performance has only amplified the Patriots’ need for reinforcements on that side of the ball, which managed just one sack of Flacco and currently ranks 27th in the NFL with 1.7 sacks per contest this season.
Given those continued struggles, would it make sense for the Patriots to pursue defensive end Takkarist McKinley? The 2017 first-round pick was waived this week by the Atlanta Falcons and will be free to sign with any team once he clears waivers.
https://twitter.com/AtlantaFalcons/status/1325909812325068806?s=20
We honestly don’t see the harm in bringing McKinley in for a workout … or maybe even submitting a waiver claim for him. He hasn’t exactly padded the stat sheet this season — registering eight tackles, one sack and seven quarterback hits in four games — but he’s also been limited with a groin injury since Week 2 and has been outspoken about wanting a trade since last campaign. His play could easily be a product of a nagging injury and lack of motivation.
A move to a team like the Patriots, who are severely lacking in the edge rushing department, could be exactly what McKinley needs to replicate the success he enjoyed over his first two years in the NFL. During that span, he racked up a respectable 71 tackles (21 for loss), 16.5 sacks, 38 QB hits, and two forced fumbles.
Wouldn’t be shocked if the #Patriots take a look at Takk McKinley. It’s an enticing talent grab on a former first-rounder that at 265 pounds is bigger than most of their edge group. Not very consistent, but fits as a 3-4 OLB.
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) November 9, 2020
The UCLA product hasn’t quite lived up to his first-round billing, but it’s clear that he wants nothing to do with Atlanta’s impending rebuild. We all know that New England, specifically Belichick, has made a career off of poaching other team’s castaways, and because of that we don’t see a downside in at least inquiring about signing him.
As long as McKinley is on board with refraining from calling out the organization on social media, which ultimately played a huge role in him being jettisoned by the Falcons, Belichick should no doubt take a close look at him. He certainly isn’t an ideal addition, but desperate times call for desperate measures.
