The Green Bay Packers struck gold in free agency last spring.
When the Packers agreed to terms on a long-term contract with free agent safety Xavier McKinney, it’s difficult to envision even general manager Brian Gutekunst and head coach Matt LaFleur believing that the former New York Giants’ second-round draft choice would make such a resounding and significant impact on Green Bay’s defense.
However, Xavier McKinney became an All-Pro in 2024, a centerpiece of new coordinator Jeff Hafley’s secondary, and one of the Packers’ most respected leaders, from the moment he arrived in Green Bay.
Now, McKinney is commanding the respect of analysts ahead of the 2025 season, and his Packers encore, kicking off.
Packers’ Xavier McKinney Climbs Safety Rankings
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
Ahead of the 2025 NFL season, CBS Sports NFL analyst Pete Prisco released his rankings of the top-100 players, with McKinney emerging at No. 61 overall and as the third-ranked safety in the league.
“McKinney had eight picks in his first season with the Packers,” Prisco writes for CBS. “Showing off outstanding cover skills. He proved to be a nice pickup in free agency for the Packers, another Giants mistake in letting him go.”
Last season, McKinney finished with 88 total tackles and 11 pass breakups to go with his career-high eight interceptions, flashing his versatility in coverage as well as up near the line of scrimmage as a weapon Hafley can rely on.
As 2025 approaches, Prisco ranks only Kyle Hamilton, and Kerby Joseph ahead of McKinney.
With another strong season, it wouldn’t be surprising to see McKinney, who was unranked last season, climb the ranks both among players and the top safeties in the sport when this list is released prior to 2026 kicking off.
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