New England Patriots: Potential defensive targets in 2020 NFL Draft

Xavier McKinney – S, Alabama

Xavier McKinney is one of the most versatile and dynamic safeties coming out of the draft this spring. At a long 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds, McKinney understands the true role of the safety position – which we all know is the last line of defense where you can’t let anyone get behind you.

But McKinney also knows that he is expected to sometimes roam around and play freely.

As great of a pass defender as he is, McKinney is also an excellent pass rusher off the edge and can cause some issues for a quarterback, even behind the line of scrimmage. In doing so, he racked up three sacks in 2018 and three again in 2019 (one of those sacks was on presumptive No. 1 overall pick Joe Burrow).

2019 was his best season, as McKinney wound up amassing 95 tackles. He played three seasons for Alabama prior to declaring for the NFL Draft. He finished his college career with 175 total tackles (13 for loss), 6 sacks, and 5 interceptions.

Being on a Nick Saban-led team comes with plenty of experience playing in big games. He has played in three bowl games and won the CFP National Championship in 2018. Projected to be a first round pick, McKinney is another Alabama product Bill Belichick could immediately put into the mix.