Best 2021 NFL breakout candidate from every team

ASHBURN, VA - JUNE 02: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Washington Football Team hands the ball off to Antonio Gibson #24 of the Washington Football Team during the organized team activity at Inova Sports Performance Center on June 2, 2021 in Ashburn, Virginia. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
ASHBURN, VA - JUNE 02: Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Washington Football Team hands the ball off to Antonio Gibson #24 of the Washington Football Team during the organized team activity at Inova Sports Performance Center on June 2, 2021 in Ashburn, Virginia. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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NFL 2021
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY – JANUARY 03: Xavier McKinney #29 of the New York Giants intercepts a pass against the Dallas Cowboys during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium on January 03, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

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.