The Green Bay Packers must use the 2020 NFL Draft to provide the finishing touches on a team that won 13 regular-season games and got within one game of the Super Bowl during Matt LaFleur’s first season as head coach.
Between now and the draft, Packers Wire will periodically break down one top prospect fitting the Packers’ roster needs.
Up next is Alabama defensive back Xavier McKinney:
What he can do
– So versatile. Alabama played him everywhere. Deep safety, linebacker, slot cornerback. Versatility in Bama’s defense suggests high football IQ
– Highly active and comfortable in coverage in intermediate areas. Played down in the box a ton vs. several teams and was effective closing passing windows to the middle of the field and flying down to handle the flats
– No problems covering tight ends and running backs
– Played over 200 snaps in the slot and rarely looked overmatched
– Twitchy athlete in space. Doesn’t have impressive long speed but is quick and explosive in short areas. Loose hips give him effortless change of direction ability
– Fearless playing the run. Not a high impact run defender but more than willing to mix it up inside
– Doesn’t look big enough (6-0, 201) to play in the box at the next level. Slender-type build. Could be easily overwhelmed by physicality near the line
– Gave up a few big plays and isn’t super rangy playing deep but is generally strong in coverage in the free safety role
– Inconsistent tackler. Will stick and drive a ball-carrier on one snap and then dive and miss on another. Big-time hitter and can really lay the wood when he squares someone up, but still missed too many tackles in 2019
– Super effective blitzer. Knows how to time up blitzes with the snap. Slippery getting through gaps and around the edge and can be disruptive once he reaches the quarterback
– Can be late getting to the right spots. LSU had him in chase mode early
– Likely to have production playing the ball at the next level. Loves playing the quarterback’s eyes. Awareness, quickness and instincts keep him near the ball always
– Could really be an impact player on special teams, especially early in NFL career
How he fits
The Packers signed Adrian Amos and drafted Darnell Savage in the first round just last year, but Mike Pettine’s defense uses the safety position interchangeably between the deep half and in the box. McKinney lacks size and doesn’t look perfectly suited to play the hybrid linebacker position at the next level, but his ability to cover all positions in the intermediate areas and handle slot responsibilities should give him serious appeal to Pettine and the Packers. Amos, Savage and McKinney would really increase the versatility of the secondary, providing Pettine with a multitude of options for deploying the trio across the field, especially in passing situations.
NFL comp
Pro Football Focus compared McKinney to Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Malcolm Jenkins, a fitting pick for Alabama’s versatile safety/slot cornerback. Another great comp is Jimmie Ward, who blossomed as a versatile defensive back for the San Francisco 49ers.
Where Packers could get him
Possibly at No. 30 overall, although it’s possible he’ll be gone by then. Teams love versatility and players who can cover multiple positions. McKinney’s lack of straight-line speed and overall athleticism might scare off some teams. He figures to be in play for the Packers if he’s still there at No. 30.
Previous Prospects for the Pack
WR Tee Higgins
LB Kenneth Murray
LB Patrick Queen
WR Jalen Reagor
WR Justin Jefferson
TE Harrison Bryant
WR Denzel Mims
WR Brandon Aiyuk
WR/TE Chase Claypool
LB Zack Baun
LB Akeem Davis-Gaither
OT Josh Jones
WR Laviska Shenault
OT Austin Jackson
S Antoine Winfield Jr.
DL Raekwon Davis