The latest in a long line of defensive backs coached by Nick Saban to be selected in the first round of an NFL Draft, Xavier McKinney joins a strong fraternity of elite defenders that have been given the stamp of approval as the Crimson Tide was just selected by the New York Giants with the No. 36 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
A two-year Alabama in Tuscaloosa, McKinney was named third-team Associated Press All-American and first-team All-SEC by the end of his junior season before declaring early for the 2020 NFL Draft. McKinney registered an incredible 95 tackles last season, giving him 169 total during his final two seasons in Tuscaloosa, along with five interceptions and 15 passes defended during that time playing in Saban’s defense.
In each of his final two college seasons, McKinney registered a pick six touchdown and was named Alabama Defensive MVP of the Orange Bowl as the Crimson Tide beat Oklahoma and eventual No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, Kyler Murray.
Not only can McKinney be used in coverage at the safety position, but he’s also a physical player capable of playing near the line of scrimmage and creating havoc for opposing offenses. McKinney forced six fumbles and had six sacks for Alabama’s defense the previous two seasons.
A graduate of the University of Tennessee, Michael Wayne Bratton oversees the news coverage for Saturday Down South. Michael previously worked for FOX Sports and NFL.com
