After the Atlanta Falcons moved up from the 31st pick in the 2017 NFL Draft to select UCLA’s Takkarist McKinley 26th overall, Twitter responded
Heading into the 2017 NFL Draft there really were a ton of questions about what the Atlanta Falcons might do with the 31st pick. Reports suggested they may trade up — although many fans wanted them to trade back and acquire more picks.
Atlanta ended up staying true to the rumors and the moved up from the second-to-last pick to number 26. There were several options on the board, all of which could have really helped the Falcons.
Choices could have included Washington’s Budda Baker at safety or Western Kentucky’s Forrest Lamp at offensive guard. Instead Atlanta added UCLA EDGE Takkarist McKinley. The reactions came in immediately on twitter. Let’s check a few out;
Atlanta needed the McKinley passion when they were up 28-3...#SuperBowl51
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) April 28, 2017
Welcome to the Brotherhood, Takkarist McKinley! (@Takk)#InBrotherhood pic.twitter.com/AcJcPohHKz
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) April 28, 2017
how did the falcons get takkarist mckinley.. what a steal
— Nolan Tressler (@lefty_nolan) April 28, 2017
https://twitter.com/FB5YS/status/857793918418563074
Like the Falcons selecting Takkarist McKinley. Very high-motor and can get to the QB. Our defensive line should be nasty
— SportsTalkATL.com (@SportsTalkATL) April 28, 2017
As is usually the case with social media, not all comments were happy. There were those who wondered about a guy who is currently recovering from a shoulder injury and had just one year of solid production as a Bruin.
Atlanta traded up for McKinley. Not a fan of that. Some potential, but I had a late 2, early 3 on him.
— Vance Meek (@vancemeek) April 28, 2017
There were also some a little confused by his “emotional” interview following the pick. McKinley paid tribute to his lat grandmother and already talked about getting fined by the NFL. Unsurprisingly some on Twitter noticed.
Yeesh, not even 10 minutes with the Falcons and Takkarist McKinley is already going to get fined...
— Gregory Ballantine (@brotherballan) April 28, 2017
The Falcons after listening to Takkarist Mckinley's first interview. #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/3y7Jfc01BW
— Ben Mills (@benmillsIII) April 28, 2017
McKinley recorded ten sacks in his final season for the Bruins. He spent his first two seasons asa rotational player before becoming a full-time starter as a junior. He suffered a shoulder injury which required surgery and could keep him out until at least mini camp.