2. Xavier McKinney
Xavier Mckinney has been one of the brightest spots for the Giants during this first week of training camp. The third-year safety is emerging as a face of this defense. After Friday’s outing, it also turns out that he could potentially be the play-caller for this Giants defense.
Giants HC Brian Daboll on Daniel Jones & Xavier McKinney being the playcallers at times.
— Bobby Skinner (@BobbySkinner_) July 29, 2022
Even cutting out Mike Kafka & Wink Martindale’s headsets at times to prep for issues. pic.twitter.com/03q741sfhw
McKinney currently has the green dot on his helmet that labels him as the defensive play caller. Typically, this is a role reserved for the defense’s middle linebacker. McKinney has spoken with longtime NFL veteran Eric Weddle, who has helped him with the play-calling process.
With the departures of Logan Ryan, Jabrill Peppers, and James Bradberry, McKinney will be the focal point of this relatively young secondary. As he enters his third season in the NFL, expectations will be high. Since entering the league in 2020, McKinney has played 23 total games. He has totaled 118 tackles, two tackles for loss, six interceptions, and 11 defended passes.
It’s not unrealistic to expect that he will set career-highs across the board this season. In a new defense built by Martindale, McKinney could be a perfect scheme fit.