Presumed No. 1 overall pick Jameis Winston of Florida State is not attending the 80^th annual NFL Draft in Chicago, nor is the second-rated quarterback, Marcus Mariota. One player who is making his way to the prestigious event is former Mississippi State linebacker Benardrick McKinney.

FootballInsiders.com has learned that McKinney has received an invitation to the event and will attend the NFL Draft.

In all McKinney (per source) has had a combined 17 (visits/workouts) since he wrapped up his Pro Day on March 4^th. Seeing action in three seasons before foregoing his senior season, McKinney (6-foot-5, 255 pounds) is one vying to be the first inside linebacker selected in the upcoming NFL Draft.  The two-star quarterback recruit made the switch to linebacker and has not looked back with his run of success. McKinney became the Bulldogs’ first, first-team All-America linebacker since 1999.

A first team All-SEC selection in 2014, McKinney was the Bulldogs leading tackler in his final two seasons. He finished with 244 tackles, 19.5 tackles-for-loss, 7.5 sacks and also recovered six fumbles. He is one of the most athletic prospects available and his upside moving forward are one of his biggest assets.