The hype is beginning to build around New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney, who was considered a steal in Round 2 of the 2020 NFL Draft.
Already, Pro Football Focus named McKinney as a candidate to win the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award, and now our friends over at Touchdown Wire are sharing similar sentiments.
Although he’s not Touchdown Wire’s No. 1 candidate, McKinney is among the top third of their listed candidates, checking in ahead of Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr.
In 2019, McKinney replaced Minkah Fitzpatrick as the do-it-all guy in Nick Saban’s Alabama defense, playing at least 227 snaps in the slot, the box, and at free safety. While he’s athletic enough to play the deep third alone, the Giants would be wise to use him all over the field as Saban did. If so, he’ll become the epicenter of Big Blue’s defense quickly.
Unsurprisingly, Washington Redskins edge rusher Chase Young is Touchdown Wire’s favorite to earn the honor, but McKinney continues to climb the ranks.
McKinney was widely considered the best safety available in April’s draft and both his approach to the game and his gritty mentality have been nothing short of encouraging.
Some around the league have even higher expectations for McKinney than competing to win a few awards.
Bryant McFadden of CBS Sports not only believes McKinney will win the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award, but expects him to be named an All-Pro and make the Pro Bowl.
