Alabama’s Xavier McKinney reminds evaluators why he’s a top safety prospect

NFL Draft News
Xavier McKinney

LSU safety Grant Delpit has seen his NFL draft stock fluctuate this season.

Evaluators are still trying to figure out whether Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons is a linebacker or a defensive back.

But Alabama’s Xavier McKinney has remained steady, and his performance leading up to the Iron Bowl has draft evaluators taking a closer look at the 6-foot-1, 200-pound junior safety.

McKinney had three tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 forced fumble and two interceptions, including one that was returned 81 yards for a touchdown, in Alabama’s 66-3 win over Western Carolina.

Overall, McKinney has a team-leading 77 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 3 INTs, 4 pass breakups and three forced fumbles.