NFL Draft 2020: 5 biggest snubs from the first round

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MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 29: Trey Sermon #4 of the Oklahoma Sooners is tackled by Xavier McKinney #15 and Anfernee Jennings #33 of the Alabama Crimson Tide during the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium on December 29, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Since the 2020 NFL Combine, Xavier McKinney was regarded as the No. 1 safety prospect in the draft class. There were no safeties that were selected in the first round as there were six cornerbacks taken. This includes the Las Vegas Raiders taking Ohio State cornerback Damon Arnette, who was graded as a late-second to early-third round grade.

The safety position is usually a position that falls in the NFL draft, but it is odd to see a versatile defender in McKinney slip to the second round of the draft. McKinney was ranked as the 17th-best prospect by ESPN and scored with a 91 overall grade.

McKinney’s skills are getting to the running back, making open-field tackles and covers well in man and zone coverage. He was also a leader in Nick Saban’s defense which is something that is not easily earned.

In his senior season at Alabama, McKinney led the team in total tackles accounted for with 95 and solo tackles with 59 as well as 5.5 tackles for loss, three sacks, three interceptions, and five pass deflections.

Look for a team like the New York Giants with the 36th overall pick or the New England Patriots with the No. 37 overall pick to make the potential grab of McKinney as their day one starter.

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