Prospect Breakdown- ILB Benardrick McKinney, Mississippi State

Benardrick McKinney

ILB-Mississippi State-Redshirt Junior

HT-6-4   WT-246

40 Yard Dash-4.66  Bench Press Reps (225)-16

Projected Round-2nd

Year                School Class  G Solo  Ast  Tot Loss   Sk  Int  Yds  Avg   TD   PD   FR  Yds   TD   FF
*2012    Mississippi State    FR      45   57  102  4.5  1.0    0    0         0    4    0    0    0    0
2013     Mississippi State    SO 13   42   28   70  7.0  3.5    0    0         0    0    0    0    0    0
2014     Mississippi State    JR 13   35   36   71  8.0  3.0    0    0         0    4    0    0    0    1
Career   Mississippi State           122  121  243 19.5  7.5    0    0         0    8    0    0    0    1

    McKinney is a tackle machine. Hands down. With 243 total tackles as a 3 season starter, including 102 tackles in his redshirt freshman season, McKinney has been the face of this defense as the leader and as the All-American Linebacker.

    McKinney is huge, and it shows on the field. He loves contact and he loves to hit the big guys. His size can actually create mismatches in his favor, something you don't see too much on defense.

    While McKinney isn't an east-west player on the field, his motor is still strong, as he plays his best in north-south schemes, or in the "phonebox". He's a natural when filling a gap or hole, and being the man to take down the runner at the LOS.

    McKinney ran out of a very interesting defensive scheme that involved a lot of ILB blitzing. He can be an effective pass rusher, and his pass defense is inconsistent. He needs to work on his coverage in space, as he tends to look lost while out that far. 

    McKinney is best as a run stopper. He plugs holes well and can attack running backs with his size and skill. While he isn't one of the strongest players on the field, he has very strong instincts on the field, and he sheds blocks quickly to make the tackle. He's a sound tackler, and makes a good impression on those he does hit. 

    McKinney lacks the explosion on the play that would make him a first round pick. I believe that McKinney can still be a solution to a weaker defense at the ILB spot quickly, if not this season. He's a strong player who will have a long career in the NFL.