McKinnon in battle for starting LB role

[The_Philster]

Ronald McKinnon's occupation has remained the same for the past five seasons: starting linebacker for the Cardinals. There are signs that could be changing.

For the first time in years, McKinnon is being pushed for his job. The team signed free agent James Darling from the New York Jets this off-season. For the first time since 1999, the team drafted a middle linebacker - Tony Gilbert in the sixth round.

McKinnon is still the starter, but Darling is pushing him and will play the middle in nickel situations. Gilbert could be a factor in a year or two, and coaches still like Michael Young, who didn't play much his first two years...more

[Jan Reimers]

McKinnon was a great Div. 2 player at the U. of North Alabama who was too small (about 6'0) and slow(5.0/40) to be drafted. What an undrafted free agent! He's a productive guy and a leader who will battle hard for his job.