During Jeff Hafley’s introductory press conference last month, the new Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator described what he desires in a post-safety, eventually admitting that he had just described the perfect football player.
While no player is “perfect,” which Xavier McKinney pointed out when meeting with a small group of reporters on Friday, perfection is something he does strive for.
“I don’t think any player’s perfect,” said McKinney, “but I will tell you that I’m striving for that. Every day I go out at practice, it’s going to be everything that I’ve got, 100 percent, and same way for the games.
“We (McKinney and Hafley) actually had dinner last night and we talked for a little minute. He seemed like a great guy and I know we’re going to have a lot of fun together, for sure. We talked about some things yesterday as far as play-wise, but I’m just looking forward to being part of the defense and seeing where I can help and try to make plays and help us to be successful and win.”
So, yes, there is no such thing as the “perfect” football player, but as Hafley described the ideal traits that a deep safety in his defense possesses, McKinney checks a lot of those boxes.
A few of those traits that Hafley mentioned included eliminating big plays. Last season, McKinney allowed only 8.7 yards per catch, and that ranked seventh among safeties.
Hafley wants someone who plays with his hair on fire in the run game, as he put it. Again, last season, McKinney ranked sixth in run defense tackles.
Tackling is always important, but reliability in that regard is a must at the safety position. McKinney’s missed tackle rate in 2023 was just 5.7 percent – the lowest among safeties – missing only seven of his 122 attempts.
“I think it’s just how I prepare,” said McKinney about his ability as a tackle. “I practice hard. When you practice hard you usually play pretty hard. I critique myself a whole bunch. I get better at the small things. I try to perfect my craft. That’s always how I’ve been.
“Obviously, like I don’t go into it like I’m not trying to miss a certain amount of tackles. I just go out there and play and see where the ball lands. That’s kinda just how it is. I’m going to try to improve that number from what it was last year because I think even that six or seven (missed tackles) is too much for a safety. We’re going to get that number down for sure.”
High ball production at the safety position was another trait Hafley that brought up. In his four-year career, McKinney has generated nine interceptions, and in the last two seasons, has forced seven pass breakups.
The last element that Hafley discussed was the communication aspect. Pre-snap, the safety plays a key role as one of the leaders of the defense in making sure everyone is on the same page and knows what their specific responsibilities are so that coverage breakdowns don’t take place.
“I think ever since high school days and even before,” said McKinney about being a leader, “I’ve always kinda been in that position to lead vocally and with my play, so I think just being here is going to elevate it a lot more.
“Having the guys and the talent around me to be able to help me and improve, but the leadership is still going to be the same. It’s going to be better than what it has already been in the past. I’m just trying to continue to keep growing and keep being a better player, a better teammate and that’s really what the goal is for me.”
Given the importance of the post-safety role in Hafley’s defense, that is where McKinney can likely provide the most value and where we will see him take the most snaps. But that certainly isn’t the only place we will see McKinney lined up.
At the NFL Scouting Combine, GM Brian Gutekunst said that he wanted the two safety spots – the post safety and the box safety – along with the slot cornerback to be interchangeable, so opposing offenses can’t get a beat on who has what responsibilities just based on the personnel.
Having McKinney on the back end provides that flexibility. He’s a very willing run defender and an extremely capable tackler, which allows McKinney to line up in the box. He also has the coverage abilities to play in the slot.
In addition to free safety, McKinney has played 725 career snaps from the box and 442 in the slot, according to PFF. Whatever the game plan calls for, that’s where McKinney will be.
“It depends on the game,” said McKinney on where he will be playing. “For me, I’m more so like whatever we need for that game, I want to go do. I try not to get too focus on one spot. I never try to box myself in, and I think that’s what gives me the ability to be able to play in different spots in the defense and in any scheme and be able to do it at a high level.
“That’s kinda how I’ve always been and it’s going to continue to improve and I’m going to continue to learn more and be better in different spots, and I know the coaches are going to help me get to where I want to be.”
McKinney is a force multiplier with his ability to impact the game in a variety of ways while also making the players around him better. Whatever is needed, McKinney will provide it because, at the end of the day, part of the reason he chose to sign with the Packers was the opportunity to win, and he knows he’s going to play a very important role in making that happen on the defensive side of the ball.
“Heart, competitiveness and playmaking ability,” said McKinney when asked how he would describe himself. “Instincts are really high. Just making the guys around me a lot better and pushing them. Just trying to put on a show, really. That’s my goal is to go out there and play as best that I can and be able to help the team and put the team in the best position to be able to win games. That’s why I’m here and that’s what I’m going to be here to do.”