While it’s easy to see quarterback Jordan Love as the only Green Bay Packers player worth any attention, there are other guys who deserve a place in the spotlight. Among those stars is Xavier McKinney, a safety ranked as among the best in the NFL for 2024.
McKinney was selected by the New York Giants in the second round of the 2020 NFL draft after a successful college career at the University of Alabama.
In his rookie season with the Giants in 2020, McKinney missed significant time due to a fractured foot. However, he made an immediate impact in 2021, recording multiple interceptions and a defensive touchdown. Despite suffering a broken hand in an ATV accident during the 2022 season, McKinney returned to the field and was one of only two defenders in the NFL to not miss a snap that year.
In March 2024, McKinney signed a lucrative four-year, $67 million contract with the Packers, where he will look to continue his strong play and make an immediate impact on their defense. With his combination of athleticism, ball skills, and consistent play, McKinney has established himself as one of the league’s top young safeties and a key piece of the Packers’ secondary going forward.
Green Bay Packers Xavier McKinney Named Among Best Safeties for 2024
After building his game with the Giants, McKinney is aiming to take his career to the next level in Green Bay. According to a report by ESPN, the Packers safety is among the best in the league.
“Some evaluators believe his game could take off with a better supporting cast in Green Bay.
“Versatile safety that provides scheme flexibility because of his physical attributes and athletic profile,” an NFC personnel evaluator said. “I think he’s grown over the past year in terms of his man coverage, blitz and disguise ability. He showed more this past season that he can be strategically moved around the backfield and deployed in multiple ways.”
Others believe he’s good all-around but not great at anything. “He doesn’t scare you,” an NFL coordinator said.
With Jeff Hafley as the Packers’ defensive coordinator next season, McKinney is projected to do well on the field. If he does, fans can expect a lot of value to be obtained from the projected four years he’s going to play in Green Bay.
The NFL is set to return later this year and the Packers are hoping to surpass what they’ve done the previous season. Keep an eye out for McKinney to see if he can help his new team achieve that goal by next year.
For More Wisconsin Sports:
Follow us on Twitter at @WiSportsHeroics. Also, check out our Merchandise Here! Get 20% off with the code “WSH.” To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Wisconsin sports, click here! Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers.
