Xavier McKinney has plenty of upside, and even higher expectations in the NY Giants’ secondary in 2021
The NY Giants boast one of the NFL’s most improved secondaries, but it is the upside of one second-year defensive back who could level the unit’s play to an even higher level.
When Xavier McKinney was chosen by the NY Giants in the second-round of the 2020 NFL Draft, many believed he was one of the steal’s of the entire class. While a foot injury limited him for much of his rookie season, McKinney’s ability was obvious, when he fairly took the field.
As a rookie, McKinney produced 17 solo tackles, pulled down a key interception in the regular season finale against the Dallas Cowboys, and finished with a 70 overall grade from Pro Football Focus.
How much better can NY Giants’ safety Xavier McKinney be in 2021?
McKinney’s upside was evident during the six games he appeared in last season.
NFL.com’s Adam Rank believes McKinney can be the NY Giants’ breakout star in 2021:
"2021 breakout star: Xavier McKinney, safety. McKinney was considered a likely first-round pick leading up to the 2020 draft. It was kind of a surprise that he fell to Round 2, but it made him a great value for the Giants at No. 36 overall. McKinney played in just six games (four starts) during his rookie season after breaking his foot in training camp. Jabrill Peppers and Logan Ryan might be considered the team’s top safeties, but McKinney’s the kind of player that you won’t be able to keep off the field. It’s not going to surprise me if he plays a big role in 2021."
The potential certainly is there for McKinney, though it could be a crowded secondary, with Jabrill Peppers, Logan Ryan, and Darnay Holmes all vying for snaps either at safety or in the nickel cornerback role.
But, if McKinney makes a significant leap from his first to second year, he has the potential to live up to Rank’s high expectations.
Matt Lombardo is FanSided’s National NFL Insider and writes Between The Hash Marks each Wednesday. Email Matt: Matt.Lombardo@FanSided.com, Follow Matt on Twitter: @MattLombardoNFL