By most accounts Benardrick McKinney, the big inside linebacker from Mississippi State, is still something of an enigma even at this late date in the NFL Draft evaluation process.
After the NFL scouting combine and his Pro-Day workout, McKinney remains a physical marvel with good college production and an undefined NFL position (then again, prior to their entry into the league, doesn't every prospect?).
Still, despite McKinney's questionable projection to the next level, the latest report states that both the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys are interested in the athletic 'backer in the first-round of next April's 2015 NFL Draft.
"I'm told Benardrick McKinney looked good in pass-rush drills. If he does land in the latter part of Round 1, those leaving the pro-day believe the Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys are teams that could potentially pull the trigger," writes Tony Pauline of Draft Insider.
For the Packers, the need for a versatile player in the middle of their defense is paramount because any major addition there would allow Clay Matthews to move back outside, solidifying two key spots on the unit in one fell swoop.
For the Cowboys, their interest in McKinney could signal the end of the line for Rolando McClain. McClain was able to revive his NFL career last season as part of a Cowboys unit that performed at a level much greater than the sum of the parts - though, they did tail off down the home stretch of the season - but consistent issues off the field - including his house burning down in a suspected arson case and a failed drug test that will result in a four-game fine - may push Dallas to move on and seek his replacement in a player like McKinney in the draft.
Pauline also believes the Houston Texans could have some interest.
McKinney - 6-foot-4, 246-pounds - is an athletic specimen. He's tall, thick and has powerful legs.
McKinney may suffer from the evolving needs of the linebacker position in today's NFL once it comes to draft day though. The ability to make plays sideline-to-sideline and operate in space is far more important than being able to play downhill and lay punishing hits.
NFL.com's Lance Zierlein had this to say about McKinney after he posted mediocre agility numbers at the combine...
"Productive, steady performer in the middle with above-average size and length for the position but below-average agility. McKinney plays within the scheme and finds himself near the play frequently. He plays with strength and has an ability to take on offensive linemen and get downhill to finish his tackles. McKinney looks like an above-average NFL inside linebacker who could become part of a really good defense. He lacks star-making talent, though."
That last part won't make many fans of either the Packers or Cowboys happy, but then again, many players come into the league surrounded by question marks only to obliterate those concerns once they take the field.
