Former UCLA standout Takkarist McKinley is on hand for the 2017 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Saturday. He’s also slated to take part in the drills for defensive ends on Sunday.
Unfortunately for McKinley, he will need shoulder surgery here soon and is expected to miss four-to-six months.
“UCLA defensive end Takkarist McKinley, one of the most highly rated edge rushers in this year’s NFL draft, said he will have surgery on a troublesome right shoulder injury Monday and his recovery time will be four to six months,” ESPN’s Jeff Legwold reported on Saturday.
That’s an absolutely huge blow to the EDGE pass rusher’s draft stock this upcoming spring.
Set to undergo surgery on Monday, this would put McKinley’s timeline for return well beyond off-season organized team activities, rookie camp and mini-camp. The six-month timeline itself would place into question the UCLA product’s availability for the start of the regular season.
Projected to be a Round 1 pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, McKinley put up 10 sacks and 18 tackles for loss last season for the Bruins. He’s now likely going to be a Day 2 pick when the draft comes calling.