Mississippi State Inside Linebacker Benardrick McKinney Scheduled to Visit With Baltimore Ravens

Sep 20, 2014; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs linebacker Benardrick McKinney (50) tackles LSU Tigers running back Terrence Magee (18) during the second half of a game at Tiger Stadium. Mississippi State defeated LSU 34-29. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

Mississippi State linebacker Benardrick McKinney has already visited the Minnesota Vikings, and has five more teams to meet with prior to the NFL Draft, including the Baltimore Ravens. The Baltimore Sun is reporting that the late first/early second round prospect will be meeting with the same team that let fellow Mississippi State linebacker Pernell McPhee walk in free agency.

The 6’4″, 247 pound McKinney ran a 4.66 second 40 yard dash at the NFL Combine, in addition to posting 16 reps on the bench press and recording a 40.5 inch vertical leap. The All-American and All-Southeastern Conference selection racked up 244 tackles (19.5 for a loss), 7.5 sacks, and 6 fumble recoveries across his college career.

Benardrick McKinney has above average size and length for an inside ‘backer but that also comes at the expense of agility. He has the ability and natural tools to become an above average player, however, as a guy who uses his power and speed to take on linemen head on. McKinney is a solid tackler in run support and he has the speed to track down tight ends in the passing game.

It’s interesting that the Ravens would be so enamored with yet another inside linebacker prospect, but McKinney does have the potential to become a star at the NFL level. The Ravens showed that they weren’t afraid to spend a high pick at a position that is not a major need last year when they drafted C.J. Mosley in the first round. Would they do it two years in a row? We’ll say this much – the thought of Mosley and McKinney paired together for years to come is an enticing one.

Next: Top Four Cornerbacks in the Upcoming Draft

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