Xavier McKinney is a rising star in the NFL world. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, and has quickly become an integral part of the team’s defense. In this article, we will explore how the Packers acquired Xavier McKinney and what factors led to his selection.
The Packers’ Scouting Process
Like any NFL team, the Packers had a long and thorough scouting process leading up to the 2020 Draft. They watched McKinney play extensively during his time at Alabama and were impressed with his athleticism and versatility on the field. The Packers also conducted extensive interviews with McKinney and his family, as well as analyzed his film and statistics, to get a better understanding of what he could bring to the team.
The Packers’ Need for a Safety
At the time of the 2020 Draft, the Packers had a glaring need for a safety. The team’s defense was struggling with communication and coordination, which made it difficult for them to cover opposing teams’ tight ends and running backs. McKinney was seen as a potential solution to this problem due to his ability to play both safety positions and provide coverage in the open field.
The Packers’ Trade of Ha Ha Clinton-Dixon
In order to acquire Xavier McKinney, the Packers had to make a trade. They traded their first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft (32nd overall) and a fourth-round pick in the same draft to the Washington Redskins for Ha Ha Clinton-Dixon, a former first-round safety who had been playing for the Redskins at the time of the trade. This move allowed the Packers to acquire McKinney in the second round, where they felt he was worth taking.
Conclusion
The Packers’ acquisition of Xavier McKinney was a strategic move that addressed a specific need on their roster. The team’s scouting process identified McKinney as a potential solution to their communication and coordination problems in the secondary, and the trade of Ha Ha Clinton-Dixon allowed them to acquire him at an affordable price. McKinney has quickly become a valuable member of the Packers’ defense, and his impact will only continue to grow as he continues to develop his skills on the field.
