On the national level, there’s no lack of folks who believe your Houston Texans will have the most dominant front seven in the NFL this year. While J.J. Watt, Jadeveon Clowney, Whitney Mercilus and Brian Cushing seem to get all the media attention, Benardrick McKinney is quietly turning into one of the best downhill ‘backers in the league.
The Mississippi State product is entering his third year in the pros and if he continues his trajectory should have a Pro Bowl caliber year in 2017. McKinney more than doubled his combined tackles and solo tackles year-over-year in his first two seasons, went from one sack to five, had two pass breakups and, oh yeah, thumped opposing skill players on a regular basis.