McKivitz has turned himself into a pretty dependable right tackle. He was once the backup everyone worried about, and now he has started every game for three straight seasons. He plays hard, understands the scheme and usually gives the offense a functional rep, especially when he can get downhill in the run game. The trouble still comes against really fast edge rushers, because if they beat him to the corner he does not always have the recovery quickness to save it. He is not Trent Williams on the other side, but that is not a fair standard. McKivitz is a six for me: steady, durable and good enough to win with, even if the offense sometimes needs to help him.
Strengths: Durability and toughness are major positives after 51 consecutive starts. McKivitz uses his length well when he lands first contact, plays with an edge in the run game and has enough experience in the system to handle the timing and assignment changes without much drama.
Weaknesses: High-end speed rushers can threaten his outside shoulder and force him to open the gate early, leaving him vulnerable to inside counters. His recovery athleticism is average, so losing the first phase of a pass set can turn into pressure quickly. Chip help and favorable down-and-distance situations still make a noticeable difference.
