With two picks in the books, the Giants may have landed the top offensive tackle and now the top safety.
Alabama’s Xavier McKinney was the Giants’ second-round pick, 36th overall, in the NFL Draft on Friday.
McKinney dominated while at Alabama, leading the Crimson Tide with 95 tackles last season, including 5.5 for a loss and 3.5 sacks. He also had four forced fumbles, three interceptions and five passes defensed.
“We had a first-round value on him and we are thrilled to get him,” general manager Dave Gettleman said on a conference call.
Gettleman acknowledged that the Giants were actually prepared to make a deal with a team to move back in the draft, but would only keep the pick if McKinney was still there.
Giants head coach Joe Judge, who used to be an assistant for Alabama head coach Nick Saban in Tuscaloosa, said McKinney caught his eye when he watched him play two years ago.
“He’s a guy who stuck out on the field who just flies around with passion and energy,” Judge said.
McKinney joins another former first-round pick in the Giants secondary with safety Jabrill Peppers, along with corners DeAndre Baker and free agent addition James Bradberry, but McKinney’s versatility to play deep, crash the box or slide into nickel is what stands out compared to the rest.
Judge added that McKinney could be the "quarterback of the defense," while Gettleman lauded his versatility.
"We feel we got a real quality person and player," Gettleman said.
“One of the important things for us was getting a safety that could play the deep part of the field," he added. "Xavier certainly played back there enough. We feel very comfortable with that part of his game."