The Atlanta Falcons have taken defensive end Takkarist McKinley of UCLA with the No. 26 pick in the NFL draft in another attempt to boost their pass rush.
McKinley will be paired with 2016 sacks leader Vic Beasley, the team's first-round pick in 2015.
Following the pick, an emotional McKinley held a large photo of his late grandmother, saying this fulfills a promise he made to her.
The Falcons traded the No. 31 pick and their third- and seventh-round picks to Seattle in order to move up.
The Falcons started four rookies on defense in 2016. The Falcons' first- and second-round picks were on defense in each of the first two drafts under Dan Quinn.