Houston Texans: 2015 NFL Draft Recap
By Cody Poage
Sep 21, 2013; Starkville, MS, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs linebacker Benardrick McKinney (50) prepares for the play during the game against the Troy Trojans at Davis Wade Stadium. Mississippi State won 62-7. Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports
Round 2, 43rd overall: Bernadrick McKinney, Mississippi State
Picking an inside linebacker in the early rounds was always a no-brainer for the Texans.
However, let’s hope that Rick Smith knew what he was doing with the selection considering the assets the organization had to part with to bring the 2014 second-team All-American from Mississippi State, Bernadrick McKinney, on board.
2014 statistics: 13 games, 35 solo tackles, 36 assisted tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks
In all, the Texans traded away a second, fourth, and sixth-round pick (51st, 116th, and 195th overall) to the Cleveland Browns for the an earlier second and seventh-round pick (43rd and 229th overall).
McKinney will now give the Texans defense another talented inside linebacker that the team was so clearly lacking at times throughout the past few seasons. And while he may not of been the Texans first choice in the draft at the linebacker position, he should make an impact as a rookie.
Per a draft profile from Dane Brulger and Rob Rang of Cbssports.com:
"Fluid athlete for his size, showing good lateral agility and very impressive acceleration to track down ballcarriers from behind. Long arms and good hand-eye coordination to trip up ballcarriers."
The second-round pick possesses the skill set to be an above-average inside linebacker on the next level, however, there are questions about his pass coverage abilities. But if continues to mature and grow into the position in the NFL, that may be a weakness that is nullified over time.
Considering what the Texans gave up in the trade up with Cleveland, McKinney would need to start producing solid results almost immediately for the trade to be looked at as a win for general manager Rick Smith. But this was a wise, valuable pick for the Texans who desperately need help at linebacker in the short- and long-term.
Next: A Strong Choice