The Falcons drafted DE Takk McKinley with their 2017 first-round pick, but the former UCLA star has yet to really break out in three NFL seasons. Despite an impressive pressure rate, Takk’s lack of sacks is somewhat bizarre.
Last season, the team accounted for the second-lowest sack total (28) in the entire league, indicating Atlanta’s issues were bigger than any one player. After letting Vic Beasley walk in free agency, the Falcons elected not to pick up McKinley’s fifth-year option.
Head coach Dan Quinn is still high on his young pass-rusher, though, saying he expects Takk to play a big role on defense this season. Talking with reporters after Saturday’s camp practice, a slimmed-down McKinley addressed the team’s decision to decline his option, calling it a “wake-up call,” per beat reporter William McFadden:
Takk McKinley says that once the Falcons declined his fifth-year option he had the realization that "if I want to stay in this league, I've got to do better." He's begun to realize how fast time can fly in this league. Calls the Falcons' decision a "wake-up call."
— William McFadden (@willmcfadden) August 22, 2020
Here’s the video of McKinley talking about what he learned after a disappointing season, as shared by ESPN’s Vaughn McClure below:
Takk McKinley on not getting fifth-year option picked up pic.twitter.com/bONpnXteUR
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) August 22, 2020
McKinley also praised Falcons defensive end Dante Fowler Jr., saying Fowler has helped him refine his pass-rushing moves. Watch below, per McClure’s tweet:
Takk said having Dante Fowler next to him has helped tremendously. Has helped him with counter moves. pic.twitter.com/WhOAakDIAz
— vaughn mcclure (@vxmcclure23) August 22, 2020
