Xavier McKinney projects as New York Giants' most improved player

Xavier McKinney projects to be the New York Giants’ most improved player for the 2021 season, according to NFL Network’s Cynthia Frelund. 

Using analytics, Frelund has identified one player from each NFL team who projects to improve beyond their past efforts. Frelund’s forward-looking data model takes into account players’ performance trajectories. It also accounts for the scheme they’ll be playing in this season, as well.

“The 2020 second-round pick played in just six games during his rookie season, but showcased lots of upside, getting me excited about what is likely in store for 2021,” Freulund said. “PFF notes that he was targeted 10 times in coverage, allowing seven receptions for just 47 total yards with one interception, equaling a 40.2 passer rating allowed. Additionally, his versatility (SEE: ability to play in the slot) creates even more value for this improved Giants defense.”

McKinney missed most of his rookie season with a foot injury. Still, after being activated late last season, the former Alabama safety’s play has the Giants’ confidence high for 2021.

McKinney figures to be a key piece of defensive coordinator Patrick Graham’s stout defensive secondary. McKinney joins Logan Ryan, James Bradberry, Jabrill Peppers and Adoree’ Jackson in arguably the team’s most talented unit.

Although his rookie season was largely lost, McKinney found a way to put his stamp on the year. In the Giants’ final game of the season, the former second round pick sealed victory with an interception of Andy Dalton with just 1:24 remaining in the game.

Even though McKinney wasn’t on the field, Giants head coach Joe Judge ensured he would develop. According to Paul Schwartz of The New York Post, Judge gave McKinney assignments to do each week, where the safety would then make presentations for his older teammates.

“First off, I think he’s very smart.”

One of his older teammates, cornerback James Bradberry, made the Pro Bowl in 2020. Bradberry complimented McKinney’s intelligence earlier, speaking on the former Alabama safety’s ability to adjust to the NFL.

“First off, I think he’s very smart,” Bradberry explained, per Giants.com. “He had a lot of positions he had to play, so he had to learn a lot in a short amount of time. I think he’s a very smart player. Of course, he has athletic ability. You see that on the tape. It’s just about growing in the system. More time that you have, the more snaps that you have within a system, the more your confidence is going to grow, the more your knowledge is going to grow.”

Bradberry believes in McKinney, and so do the Giants. As Frelund mentions, McKinney’s versatility and upside make him a prime candidate for the team’s most improved player.

Judge’s squad is attempting to win the NFC East for the first time since 2011. Evidently, Xavier McKinney is a pivotal piece of the puzzle.

Image courtesy of Mike Stobe / Stringer via Getty Images