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Xavier McKinney hoped to hear his name called in the first round, but unfortunately it didn’t happen. He didn’t have to wait long on Day Two, however, going 4th in the second to the New York Giants.
It’s easy to understand what they see in him. McKinney is the versatile safety coveted in the modern NFL, as comfortable playing in the box as a run defender as he is in deep coverage. He is a tad small at 6’0”, 201 lb. but will undoubtedly add some playing weight at the next level. McKinney had a solid Combine, impressing with his 4.6 speed and his short area quickness. He comes highly recommended by Nick Saban for his football smarts, and ended up serving as the signal caller for much of the season with freshmen playing in front of him.
Oh yeah, and he will hit you, too.
Great choice for the G Men, and congratulations to Xavier.
Roll Tide.