5. Benardrick McKinney, Mississippi State
A consistently productive defender for three seasons at Mississippi State, McKinney started 36 games his college career and played in all 39. At 6-foot-4 and nearly 250 pounds, he’s one of the most physically intriguing players at his position in the draft.
Coaches rave about McKinney’s character and tout him as a player who will bring a lot of energy to a defense. Those words ring true as the linebacker displayed a natural feel for the game in college. McKinney can deliver solid hits, is good in zone coverage and shows great anticipation. He improves year to year.
There are some concerns about McKinney that coaching should be able to sort out. For one, he does not take ideal angles in pursuit to the football and can get caught up at the point of attack.
