The New York Giants were poised to trade down in Round 2 of the 2020 NFL Draft, but then Alabama safety Xavier McKinney unexpectedly fell into their laps.
With a need at the position, general manager Dave Gettleman was quick to back off the trade talk and submit McKinney’s name to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.
Here is what the prominent draft analysts and experts said about Thomas before the draft:
Dane Brugler, The Athletic (draft guide)
A two-year starter at Alabama, McKinney played free safety in Nick Saban’s 3-4 base scheme, lining up two-high, single-high and dropping into the box in nickel/dime situations. He had a wide array of responsibilities in the secondary and created 10 turnover-worthy plays (five interceptions, five forced fumbles) the last two years. McKinney is explosive downhill and a reliable open-field tackler, finding his center and dropping ball carriers. He does a nice job in coverage vs. backs and tight ends with solid ball skills, although he doesn’t always play to his athletic profile when matched up with receivers. Overall, McKinney is an instinctive, full-speedahead defender with the functional range and diagnose skills to put himself in position to make plays, projecting as an interchangeable safety who should start from Day 1.