Drake Maye didn't get much time to settle into Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers. His first pass went straight to Xavier McKinney, who grabbed the interception and gave Green Bay an early opening. The Packers went on to beat the Pats' 45-27 on November 8, but that first play showed why opposing quarterbacks cannot afford to take McKinney lightly.
The safety has quietly built a reputation as one of the NFL's best at his position. Now, with Jonathan Gannon running the Packers' defense, McKinney could help turn Green Bay's secondary into an even tougher matchup for passing offenses.
Xavier McKinney Has the Instincts to Punish Quarterbacks
Interceptions are the obvious part of McKinney's game, but his biggest strength is how quickly he reads what's happening in front of him. He proved that during his first season with Green Bay in 2024, when he recorded eight interceptions and earned first-team All-Pro honours. He followed that with two picks in 2025 and another All-Pro selection, this time on the second team.
NFL coaches, executives and scouts still hold him in high regard. ESPN's 2026 safety rankings placed McKinney third in the league, behind Kyle Hamilton and Derwin James Jr. No voter ranked him lower than seventh. There is also a telling statistic from NFL Next Gen Stats. McKinney has not allowed a touchdown as the nearest defender since joining the Packers in 2024.
That makes him dangerous even when he doesn't get his hands on the ball. Quarterbacks must account for his coverage, and forcing them to look elsewhere can give Green Bay's pass rush more time to get home.
Jonathan Gannon Has More Ways to Use His Star Safety
McKinney could become even harder to deal with under new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon.
During the Packers' offseason program in 2026, McKinney spoke positively about the new scheme. He liked the freedom it gave defenders to line up in different spots and make use of their strengths. Gannon has also made his appreciation for McKinney clear. He singled out the safety when discussing Green Bay's defensive talent and praised the level of play he has maintained at a relatively young age.
The Packers also have Evan Williams, Keisean Nixon, Carrington Valentine, and Javon Bullard in the secondary. That gives Gannon several options around McKinney rather than asking one player to do everything.
Green Bay already has an offense capable of putting up big numbers. If McKinney can keep reading quarterbacks, closing passing lanes and creating turnovers, the secondary could become just as frustrating as the offense is dangerous.
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