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NFL rumors: Why NY Giants should claim Takk McKinley

By Matt Lombardo

Aug 22, 2020; Flowery Branch, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive end Takk McKinley takes the field and a football for training camp at the Falcons training facility. Mandatory Credit: Curtis Compton/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 22, 2020; Flowery Branch, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive end Takk McKinley takes the field and a football for training camp at the Falcons training facility. Mandatory Credit: Curtis Compton/Pool Photo-USA TODAY Sports /
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NY Giants would be wise to put in a waiver claim on former Falcons DE, and first-round pick, Takk McKinley to bolster the pass rush

The Atlanta Falcons waived former first-round pick Takk McKinley on Monday, and NY Giants general manager Dave Gettleman should absolutely put in a claim on the veteran pass rusher.

McKinley, chosen by the Falcons with the No. 26 overall pick in 2016, produced 17.t sacks, 79 total tackles, 22 tackles for loss, and 45 quarterback hits.

According to Pro Football Focus, McKinley had eight total pressures in 55 pass rush snaps this season while producing a 69.8 overall grade in his four games played this season.

The Giants’ defense has produced 22 sacks so far this season, ninth-most in the NFL. However, anytime a team can add a player with first-round pedigree who has shown an ability to be a productive pass rusher, it should be explored.

For a defense that is trying to piece together a pass rush, with no dominant rusher on pace for double-digit sacks through the first nine games of the season, if McKinley fell to the Giants on the waiver wire, he could be a low-cost, high upside addition with the second half of this season as an audition for 2021 and beyond.

McKinley has missed four games due to a groin injury this season and his status for next week’s game was uncertain, prior to him being waived. The 25-year-old also seemed relatively unhappy with his role in the Falcons’ defense, so he might benefit from a change of scenery.

Following this week’s win over the Washington Football Team, the Giants fell to fourth on the waiver wire priority, behind the New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Dallas Cowboys, all of which have varying needs for a pass rusher.

Next. Giants studs and duds from win over Washington. dark

Matt Lombardo is the site expert for GMenHQ, and writes Between The Hash Marks each Wednesday for FanSided. Follow Matt on Twitter: @MattLombardoNFL.

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