Film Study: Could Benardrick McKinney bring some punch to Green Bay Packers defense?

Pursuit …

An added element McKinney brings to the field is his ability to make plays in pursuit.

He has needed speed and instincts for a linebacker and will track down any ball carrier outside the tackles.

Let’s go back to the LSU game.

This next play is another red zone stop, but this time, McKinney spies the quarterback as he’s rolling out. Watch how much ground McKinney covers as the quarterback tries to make a break for the endzone.

McKinney can turn on the jets when he needs to.

This next play also shows how easily McKinney tracks the running back and then bounces outside to make the stop.

McKinney fights his way to the ball carrier and then quickly closes in on him before the back can break the run to the outside.

This also highlights another asset to McKinney’s game. He always gives maximum effort.

He plays with a high motor and will battle through blocks to get to the ball carrier.

Watch this next play against Kentucky. McKinney battles through several blocks and then dives to make a shoestring tackle, saving what would have been a likely breakaway run for a touchdown.

McKinney’s consistent effort, coupled with his athletic ability, make him a very effective run defender.

He can be a force in the middle and would instantly improve the Packers run defense.

Next: Ability to Shed Blocks