The Titans are reportedly expected to host Texas A&M DL McKinnley Jackson for a pre-draft visit.
The Tennessee Titans are reportedly expected to host Texas A&M defensive lineman McKinnley Jackson for a pre-draft visit.
The news comes from Aaron Wilson of Click2Houston.com and the meeting is expected to take place at some point this week.
The 6-foot-2, 325-pound draft prospect totaled 91 tackles (15.5 for loss) and seven sacks over his collegiate career (37 games). In 2023, Jackson finished with 27 tackles (5.5 for loss) and three sacks.
Jackson posted 24 bench press reps during the Texas A&M Pro Day on Tuesday, and at the NFL Combine he registered a 40-yard dash of 5.26 seconds, a 10-yard split of 1.78 seconds, a vertical jump of 23 inches and a broad jump of 8-foot-10.
The Draft Network labels McKinnley as a “twitched-up defensive tackle who touts one of the higher ceilings at the position in the entire class.”
Among his strengths, per TDN, are his explosiveness and athleticism, and the network believes he could be a fit in either a 3-4 or 4-3 but notes he’s probably best suited as a defensive tackle in a 4-3.
Here’s more from TDN’s scouting report on McKinnley:
McKinnley Jackson is an explosive interior athlete. Jackson fires off the snap, consistently jarring opponents back. Often drew double teams due to his innate ability to overpower in isolation opportunities. Moves like a man of much smaller stature.
In the run game, Jackson’s pop off the line can quickly force ball-carriers to redirect their route. Has displayed the use of length, but an increased ability to stack and shed would take his run-game profile to another level. Versatile to play the 0/1/2i/3 within the middle. Excellent anchor against double teams and has a nastiness to throw blockers by the wayside if he feels contact is held too long for his liking. Excellent when pursuing backside and has the speed to chase down longer developing plays away from his gap at more than 300 pounds. Can occasionally make first contact with his helmet and chest, failing to allow his hands to activate.
As a pass rusher, Jackson’s ceiling remains as high as any defensive tackle in the class. High-level twitch. He’s a nightmare to block in obvious passing situations—he works primarily out of a four-point stance. Pass-rush repertoire has evolved season after season. Utilizes a two-hand swipe, club-rip, and a powerful bull rush. Has also displayed a spin move before and after contact is made to disengage from opponents. Excellent twister and is quick to work up into the pocket. Jackson does a nice job of exploiting angles, forcing linemen off-balance and into the lap of the quarterback.
The Titans finally made a move to address their very thin defensive line room in free agency with the addition of Sebastian Joseph-Day. However, the Titans still need to add another starter and a depth piece or two.
McKinnley, who is slated to go anywhere from Day 2 to early Day 3, could work his way into a significant role in Year 1 with the Titans, depending on how quickly he develops and what the team’s situation is upfront, which, right now, doesn’t look great.
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