2020 NFL Mock Draft: First round projections after Week 1
Alabama. Xavier McKinney. 123. Pick Analysis. Safety. 21. player. Scouting Report
Who knows what Dallas is going to do on the offensive side of the ball. Ezekiel Elliott is holding out for a new contract, Dak Prescott wants a new contract as well, but at least he’s participating in preseason activities, and Amari Cooper is going to want to get paid, too. There are too many unknowns for me to predict anything on that side of the ball. So let’s go defense and plug a hole that has been bothering Cowboys fans for a while.
Dallas has DeMarcus Lawrence locked up on the line, Leighton Vander Esch looks like the truth at linebacker, so Xavier McKinney is all that’s needed to put this defense over the top. McKinney was a stud last year at Alabama and will probably put even better tape out there this year. He can do it all from the position, as the best of them usually can. His versatility and aggressive play style will match well with what Dallas has going on defense already.
What McKinney is more than anything is a playmaker. He had three sacks last season, six tackles for loss, two interceptions and 10 passes defended. He will do well at just about whatever Dallas asks. The only issue is he may not be available when they pick. And depending on what happens with Zeke and Dak, they may be forced to go elsewhere.
McKinney could also benefit greatly from the Dylan Moses injury as he’ll be asked to do more on the defense now. If he’s up to the task he could shoot up this board.