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3 Ways Xavier McKinney can reach his potential as NY Giants’ breakout star

By John Esposito

Jan 3, 2021; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) intercepts a pass in the end zone intended for Dallas Cowboys tight end Dalton Schultz (86) in the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2021; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) intercepts a pass in the end zone intended for Dallas Cowboys tight end Dalton Schultz (86) in the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Xavier McKinney proved, even during an injury-ravaged rookie season, that he is capable of playing a marquee role for the NY Giants in 2021 and beyond

The NY Giants entered the 2020 NFL Draft with one thing in mind, filling the glaring hole that protects Daniel Jones blindside … But also addressed another glaring weakness that spring.

Andrew Thomas was that first round pick, and hopefully he mans the left tackle spot for the next 10 years.  With pick 36 the Giants were I’m sure pleasantly surprised to see former Alabama star safety Xavier McKinney sitting there. While a glaring need was there at safety, McKinney was almost certainly the “best player available”.

A first round grade by many he is said to have slipped due a 4.6 combine 40-yard dash.  31 other NFL teams loss had become the New York Giants’ gain.

The one thing you want in a draft is a “diamond in the rough”, the steal of the 2020 draft.

McKinney came into training camp with his eyes on a stellar rookie year.  He was unfortunately derailed by a broken foot that placed him on IR until Thanksgiving.

Back and healthy for 2021, McKinney rejoins a Giant secondary that is poised to be one the best, albeit a crowded safety room.  McKinney has the talent to gain a lot of reps and show the potential that had him as a first round grade and one the best safeties in the 2020 draft.

Here’s a look at three ways Xavier McKinney can live up to his lofty potential for the NY Giants in 2021:

Big plays

McKinney had a knack for big plays while earning 2019 First Team All-American honors as a junior at Alabama.

While his NFL rookie year only consisted of six games he still tallied 24 tackles, including one for a loss, and had a game sealing interception against Dallas in the Week 17 finale.

McKinney is not the most athletic safety you will see, but he has great instincts to be around the ball.  His “lack” of straight forward speed is made up for, by being in the right position and he plays the game faster than the 40 time will show.

With the addition of Adoree Jackson opposite of CB #1 James Bradberry, teams may shy from the perimeter allowing McKinney to shut down the deep depth middle forcing teams to alter their downfield passing by checking down.  McKinney should shine in that role leading to a very nice interception total by seasons end.

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