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Atlanta Falcons: End of season awards for the Dirty Birds in 2017

By Derek Snyder

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 17: Devonta Freeman #24 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates with Julio Jones #11 after scoring a 1-yard rushing touchdown during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 17, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 17: Devonta Freeman #24 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates with Julio Jones #11 after scoring a 1-yard rushing touchdown during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 17, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 18: Defensive end Takkarist McKinley #98 of the Atlanta Falcons wraps up quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to cause a fumble in the second quarter on December 18, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 18: Defensive end Takkarist McKinley #98 of the Atlanta Falcons wraps up quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to cause a fumble in the second quarter on December 18, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /

Rookie of the Year: Takk McKinley

The competition for the Falcons 2017 Rookie of the Year award wasn’t even close, as Takk McKinley was the clear favorite from start to finish. Unlike the team’s 2016 draft class, most of Atlanta’s draftees from 2017 didn’t see the field as often, which turned out to be a great thing; not solely because they weren’t good enough, but because the Falcons added those players for depth.

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McKinley finished his rookie year with a total of 20 combined tackles, six sacks and two forced-fumbles. Needless to say, first year player or not, the former UCLA superstar was one of the team’s most-reliable pass rushers all year long.

Personally, I’m very excited to see how much McKinley improves heading into the 2018 season wit Atlanta. We’ve seen his passion on-the-field, but now starts the process of seeing how willing he is to get better between each season. If he does indeed put the work in, Takk could become one of the league’s better defensive-ends.

At the end of the day, Falcons fans should be pleased with how well McKinley produced in his first year for Dan Quinn. He was a key factor in the team’s top ten defensive finish, and will be a regular contributor in the coming seasons.

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