Takkarist McKinley join long list of Falcons draft disappointments

Releasing Takkarist McKinley adds another chapter to the Falcons mixed draft history.

Atlanta Falcons defensive end Takkarist McKinley was taken in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft in hopes of adding help to a defense that collapsed in Super Bowl LI. Now, after nearly three seasons and 17.5 sacks, the Falcons have decided to waive the pass rusher, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

With the Falcons now at a record of 3-6 following a win over the Denver Broncos, the move signifies that the franchise is opting to go in a different direction and added another chapter to a long line of failed first-round picks by the Falcons front office. This, of course, comes after McKinley took Twitter to express his frustration and seemingly request that the franchise release him.

Since 2011 when Atlanta pulled off a blockbuster trade to land future Hall of Fame wide receiver Julio Jones, the results have been lacking. The Falcons have drafted good players, such as Jake Matthews, Deion Jones and Keanu Neal — but the totality isn’t much to brag about.

In 2012, they chose Peter Konz in the second round, which wasn’t much help to the offensive line. Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford, selected in 2013, each have had an up and down career. In 2014, they selected Matthews and Devonta Freeman, one of which is still on the roster.

Vic Beasley, who struggled from the beginning and is now out of the league, was the choice in 2015. Thankfully, they salvaged the draft with Tevin Coleman in the third round and Grady Jarrett in the fifth round.

Neal, Jones and Austin Hooper came to town the following year, all of whom contributed to the run in the Super Bowl. Following 2016 and now with the departure of McKinley, the only predominant name from the remaining four draft classes, including 2020, is Calvin Ridley in 2018. Ouch.

The Falcons draft history has hurt them recently and they are paying the price.

Now-former general manager Thomas Dimitroff got a lot of praise for the bold move to take Julio Jones and rightfully so. Besides Deion Sanders or even Hall of Famer Claude Humphrey, Jones makes a case as the greatest Falcon in history. Dimitroff even received praise for his 2016 class that produced three starters en route to a Super Bowl.

However, ownership chose to move in a different direction and, thus, Dimitroff was let go along with head coach Dan Quinn. Whether or not interim coach Raheem Morris sticks around remains to be seen. But the Falcons’ draft history has not been so kind regardless of who is manning the sidelines or the luxury boxes in the future.

Sure, they’ve picked some good players. But what results do they have to show for it? McKinley will likely find another team as he is a young prospect. As for Atlanta, it’s been a rough go when picking players and fans are hoping a new regime can change the course, otherwise the cycle of unfulfilled promise will continue.