New England Patriots: 2020 NFL Draft trade up targets
By Ian Higgins
Xavier McKinney. player. 15. 47. Combine Results. Pick Analysis. S. Alabama
The top safety of the 2020 NFL draft, Xavier McKinney is a direct replacement for likely departing safety Devin McCourty. McKinney has shown the ability to be a dual-threat safety at the next level with the coverage skills to fit into both a man and zone defense. New England plays much of its defense in a man coverage scheme, but McKinney could offer support on the back end as a center fielder or bite down to cover mismatch receivers from the interior.
Strong safety Patrick Chung has normally operated as the nickel-corner/box-safety in the New England Patriot’s defense, but McKinney could assume that role and give Duron Harmon the role of center-fielder behind Stephon Gilmore and company. Against the run, McKinney is physical and capable of setting an edge against tight ends and other lead-blockers.
The safety position has become more and more important in the NFL as teams have begun to realize how big of an impact they can make for their ball club on team-friendly contracts.
light. Related Story. Late-Round sleeper targets for Patriots
With talented corners with speed on the outside (Stephon Gilmore, J.C. Jackson, Jonathan Jones, etc), safety help over the top does not need to be an insurance policy as much as a lotto-ticket looking for an easy interception, and if McKinney doesn’t play center-field he can help in their man coverage with his speed and strength.