Back to the New York Giants Newsfeed

NY Giants: The case for Xavier McKinney as 2021’s breakout star

Jan 3, 2021; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) intercepts a pass in the end zone intended for Dallas Cowboys tight end Dalton Schultz (86) in the second half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

The NY Giants’ defense made significant strides in 2020, even without Xavier McKinney, the highest-drafted defender in last year’s NFL Draft class taking the field until Week 13.

McKinney, chosen by the NY Giants with the No. 36 overall pick in last April’s NFL Draft, showed flashes of his playmaking ability in the secondary down the stretch, including pulling down a clutch interception in Week 17 against the Dallas Cowboys.