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In a season of disappointment and terrible play, it is always nice to highlight some of the positives. One of the bright spots this season on defense is second year safety, Xavier McKinney.
A second round pick in the 2020, I thought he was an absolute steal by the Giants, having him fall to pick number 36. As a starter for Alabama in 2018, he had 73 tackles, two interceptions, and three sacks. He was also named the MVP of the Orange Bowl in 2018.
He was on the IR last season with a foot injury, but came back strong and provided quality depth towards the end of the season.
He's a bawl-hawking safety, and for Pro-Bowl voters, they look at interceptions mainly. This year, he's tied for 4th in the league in interceptions (5), and has collected 66 tackles, nine pass deflections, a pick-six in 12 starts this season. He has been super versatile in the secondary, especially with the position running thin through COVID protocols and other injuries.
I mean, it's pretty self explanatory here. He has an NFC Defensive Player of the Week award under his belt already, along with several appearances on Pro Football Focus' Team of the Week. He improves week after week, and has been an incredible anchor this season.