Atlanta Falcons: Takkarist McKinley starts to practice after offseason surgery

After having shoulder surgery in February, Atlanta Falcons first round pick Takkarist McKinley has progressed enough to be a limited participant in practice

He was a polarizing figure when drafted, but has been a question mark since. Atlanta Falcons first round pick Takkarist McKinley stole the show on draft night when he gave a passionate speech following his selection.

There was no question about his desire to be great, and his emotion that night confirmed as much. The only concern was when he could start to contribute. McKinley had shoulder surgery back in February, and there were a lot of questions about when he would be ready to roll.

Good news came when he was able to avoid the PUP list — which would have kept him sidelined for at least six weeks of the regular season. Even better new came when he was cleared to begin practicing on a limited basis — and he was happy to be at it again.

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"“I’m not going to go out there and say I’ll have 15 sacks this season, lead the league in tackles for a loss. No, I’m not. I’m going to go out there and go as hard as I can,” McKinley said Thursday according to Lindsay H. Jones of USA Today Sports"

Many experts felt as though McKinley dropped slightly in the draft due to the injury, but that could wind up being Atlanta’s gain — especially with him finding himself on the field from the start of training camp.

McKinley comes to the NFL after a breakout junior season in which the edge rusher registered 10 sacks for the Bruins. He will work opposite 2016 NFL sack leader Vic Beasley, Jr. who had 15.5 sacks in his second year in the league.

The Falcons defense as a whole looks to be much improved from where they were a year ago. The addition of McKinley will only help in that cause.

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