New York Giants security Xavier McKinney got here into his personal this previous season thanks, partly, to now-former defensive coordinator Wink Martindale’s system.
The 2020 second-round decide recorded 116 tackles (78 solo, two for a loss), one pressured fumble, two fumble recoveries, one QB hit, 0.5 sacks, and three interceptions.
Nearly all of these marks had been profession highs.
Most impressively of all, McKinney performed 100% of the group’s defensive snaps alongside linebacker Bobby Okereke, embodying Brian Daboll’s “sensible, robust, and reliable” mantra.
McKinney’s spectacular physique of labor, which didn’t yield Professional Bowl or All-Professional honors, caught the eyes of these at Professional Soccer Focus.
PFF not too long ago revealed their 2023 All-Breakout Group and there at security was McKinney.
McKinney was a succesful starter for the primary three years of his profession with the Giants, however not rather more than that. He has at all times been the most effective tacklers on the place, by no means incomes a tackling grade under 81.0 in his NFL profession.
He took his sport to new heights in 2023, posting one of the best protection grade amongst safeties (91.2) and a powerful tackling grade (89.1). That resulted in an 87.8 PFF general grade, putting fourth on the place. He saved his greatest efficiency for final, tormenting the Eagles’ offense with two interceptions and three run stops en path to a 95.3 sport grade and a 95.5 mark in protection in Week 18.
After his spectacular season, McKinney is trying ahead to testing the free agent waters. He isn’t involved in taking part in on the franchise tag and believes it’s time for the Giants to pay up.
