Best 2021 NFL breakout candidate from every team
By Randy Gurzi
New York Giants: Xavier McKinney, Safety
Despite a terrible 6-10 record, the New York Giants had a shot at the playoffs in 2020. The Washington Football Team ended up winning the division at 7-9 — thanks in large part to the Eagles punting on the season which enraged Giants fans — but when New York needed to win in Week 17, they did just that.
The Giants took out the Dallas Cowboys, who were also trying to sneak into the playoffs, and rookie safety Xavier McKinney was a huge reason why. McKinney, who says he takes it personally against Dallas since they didn’t draft him, intercepted a pass from Andy Dalton that sealed the win — and helped him shake off a slow start to the season which included him missing 10 games.
"“McKinney missed the first 10 games of the 2020 campaign because of a foot injury. But with the New York Giants needing a victory in their regular-season finale to have a chance to make the NFL playoffs, the former Alabama defensive back picked off Dallas Cowboys quarterback Andy Dalton in the end zone with 1:15 to play. McKinney’s first NFL interception sealed a 23-19 victory.” — Mark Inabinett on McKinney’s pick vs. Dallas in 2020 via AL.com"
McKinney was widely considered the best safety in the class last season and there’s no doubt he’s only going to get better, as long as he stays healthy.