UCLA defensive end Takkarist McKinley drafted 26th by the Atlanta Falcons

We are up to six draft picks in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft from the Pac-12. Up comes defensive end and linebacker Takkarist McKinley of the UCLA Bruins, who gets picked 26th overall by the Atlanta Falcons!

Stephen White of SB Nation is critical of McKinley as a first round prospect at this point.

Now, maybe I'd be a little higher on McKinley if he was bigger than 6'2, 250. The fact that he has long arms is a positive, but it is not going to replace the lack of height and anchor he has, especially when he is also deficient in technique. Like, Khalil Mack was of a similar size and athleticism, but his pass rushing technique and McKinley's are on totally different planets.

That isn't to say that, with some good coaching, McKinley can't get better. I suspect he will. But his lack of size and poor pass rush technique as an edge rusher mean he is going to be more of a project, and I am not sure how many GMs are going to wait after they take him in the first round.