Analyst Makes Bold Prediction for Packers Xavier McKinney

One of the biggest moves of the 2024 NFL offseason was the Green Bay Packers signing safety Xavier McKinney. The two sides agreed to a massive four-year, $67.2 million deal, making him one of the highest-paid players at his position in the league.

A 2020 second-round pick of the New York Giants, Xavier McKinney certainly earned the massive pay raise with his performance on the field. Not only was he productive, but he was also durable, playing every defensive snap for Big Blue last season.

That is something the Packers could certainly use more of in their secondary after an injury-riddled 2023 campaign. There is a lot of excitement about the Alabama product joining the defensive backfield, as he is thought to be a perfect fit for the new scheme Jeff Hafley is installing.

Last season, Xavier McKinney finished with the fourth-highest grades among safeties per PFF, recording a career-high 116 total tackles. He was elite in pass coverage as well, allowing a passer rating of only 69.8 when being targeted.

A versatile player who should be leading an improved defense on a team with legitimate playoff aspirations? In the opinion of Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report, that is the perfect recipe for Xavier McKinney to make his first Pro Bowl team.

“This year, McKinney should have a huge role in new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley’s defense. If the Packers wouldn’t have given him all of that money and the longer contract if he wasn’t a major part of the plan moving forward.

As he rounds into his prime he’s in position to put up an elite season and finally get some Pro Bowl recognition,” Ballentine wrote.

Only turning 26 by the time the season starts, Xavier McKinney hasn’t even reached his prime. The Packers paid a premium to acquire him this offseason, but he is the exact kind of player that you commit to long-term.

Along with cornerback Jaire Alexander, Green Bay has one of the best defensive back tandems in the NFL. They will anchor the last line of defense for years to come and provide the younger players at cornerback and safety valuable knowledge and experience to learn from.

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