7 prospects for the Vikings to watch on Day 4 at the 2020 Combine
By Dean Jones
Xavier McKinney – S (Alabama)
Xavier McKinney emerged as the best defender for Alabama last season after a standout performance.
The safety recorded 95 tackles and three interceptions during his final year in the college system. He also managed three sacks and five pass breakups to further highlight his overall contribution.
There is nothing McKinney cannot do on the field from a defensive standpoint. He has the speed to run with receivers in coverage and he is a stout tackler in space.
His versatility is another huge plus given his ability to play both safety positions and his nose for picking up running backs at the second level is another eye-catching feature of his play. He possesses decent size for a safety at 6-foot-1 and 200 pounds and has no trouble covering tight ends across the middle.
If an agreement with Anthony Harris is not reached in the coming weeks, then McKinney appears a ready-made replacement for the Vikings.
McKinney seems a perfect fit for Mike Zimmer’s defense. But whether he will be around at pick No. 25 for Minnesota remains to be seen. If the Vikings like what they see from the Crimson Tide product during workouts, on film, and at his pro day, then trading up to get him might not be out of the question.
There is no doubt McKinney has all the tools to make a massive success of his upcoming NFL career and he is a sure-fire first-round pick.