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5 NFL Draft prospects that will probably get over drafted thanks to the hype train

By Rucker Haringey

Henry Ruggs III, Alabama Crimson Tide. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Henry Ruggs III, Alabama Crimson Tide. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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Xavier McKinney, NFL Draft
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) /

3. Xavier McKinney

McKinney is very different from the first two players on this list. He has every opportunity to play like a quality starter in his rookie season. The problem with his game is that he may never grow into anything more.

The fact that he plays in one of the least valuable positions on the field also dings his value. The smartest teams in the NFL just aren’t paying safeties big money in the modern game. That makes it a poor choice to draft a safety in the first round who lacks elite athleticism.

There’s just nothing special about McKinney’s game. He isn’t a great athlete and he lacks elite ball skills in the final third. The former Alabama star does a nice job getting into position to make routine plays, but he can’t make anything special happen for his defense.

He’ll probably start right away for the team that drafts him and that will allow the team to classify selecting him as a success. The pick won’t look nearly as good when he’s allowed to walk at the end of his rookie contract because his salary demands are outweighing his production. Teams should be looking for more upside in Round 1.

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