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2020 NFL mock draft: Full 7 rounds without trades

By Logan Jakubajtys

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces a pick by the Cincinnati Bengals during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announces a pick by the Cincinnati Bengals during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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Xavier McKinney, Alabama Crimson Tide
OXFORD, MS – SEPTEMBER 15: Xavier McKinney #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide defends during a game against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

Pick Analysis. S. 123. player. Scouting Report. Alabama. Xavier McKinney. 17

The safety position is the most glaring need on this Dallas Cowboys roster, and it’s not even close. Alabama’s Xavier McKinney could be the “next Minkah Fitzpatrick” and he would immediately improve the defense. He has top-10 talent but will fall due to the lack of need for many teams at the position. That creates the ideal scenario for Jerry Jones to add a player to replace Xavier Woods as a starter.

At Alabama, McKinney started all 13 games in 2019 as a Third-Team AP All-American and First-Team All-SEC stud. He led the Crimson Tide’s defense with 95 tackles to go along with three sacks and four forced fumbles. McKinney was also able to make great plays on the ball, with three interceptions and five additional pass breakups. He also blocked a kick a season ago, proving his special teams value.

McKinney possesses great field awareness and versatility with his athleticism, and his instincts are top-notch. The versatility that McKinney provides makes him a dream in sub-packages and he can be used in center field, in the slot, or even as a corner if needed in a pinch. Open field tackling will be an area for improvement for him in year one, but he’s good enough to get the job done now.

The Cowboys would be crazy to pass on McKinney if he is available at No. 17.

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