UCLA Football: The 2017 NFL Draft and Undrafted Free Agents Recap

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Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Takkarist McKinley (UCLA) is selected as the number 26 overall pick to the Atlanta Falcons in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

The 2017 NFL Draft concluded yesterday and a number of UCLA football heard their names called. Five Bruins were selected across the three day process. Go Joe Bruin fills you in on where you can see your rookies next year.

As of late, the UCLA Football program has been a steady pipeline of talented players to the NFL.

The newest five join a list of 20 Bruins taken by the NFL Draft since 2013. A list that would make you believe the Bruins have been very good in the fall but that is for another article. But there were also six additional players that signed as undrafted free agents. “8 Clap” to that!

Starting out our list was the top draft selection this year for UCLA.

DE Takkarist McKinley

Selected 26th Overall by the Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons made a big splash by selecting the pass rusher out of UCLA and made it clear they believe their team was likely another dynamic pass rusher away from a SuperBowl crown.

McKinley made the bigger slash however with his on stage “speech”. No worries about it I’m sure they’ll fine him later.

I think this is a great pick for both parties. The Falcons really could have used another pass rusher since the Patriots were able to slide more protection towards Vic Beasley. The Falcons have really spend draft picks and money on their secondary but if they don’t have a strong pass rush it won’t matter.

McKinley goes to a team that runs mostly a 4-3 front so he gets to keep his hand in the dirt which is natural to him.