New York Giants 2020 NFL Draft grades: Andrew Thomas joins Big Blue

UNSPECIFIED LOCATION - APRIL 23: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) In this still image from video provided by the New York Giants, Andrew Thomas speaks via teleconference after being selected during the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft on April 23, 2020. (Photo by Getty Images/Getty Images) /

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TUSCALOOSA, AL – NOVEMBER 10: Xavier McKinney #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide knocks down a pass by Nick Fitzgerald #7 of the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 10, 2018, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Scouting Report. 829. Pick Analysis. S. Alabama. Xavier McKinney. 36. player

This pick should feel a bit familiar to Giants’ fans, who recently got a great run from an Alabama safety in Landon Collins before he departed for the Washington Redskins last year. New York goes back to the Alabama secondary to land safety Xavier McKinney, one of the best value picks of the round.

McKinney was widely considered to be the most talented safety in this class, but his stock fell due to a poor 40 time at the combine. The coronavirus pandemic forced Alabama to cancel their Pro Day so McKinney never had a chance to improve on that time before the draft.

That unfortunate circumstance played to the benefit of the Giants, who land a guy who can help fill the hole created by Antoine Bethea’s departure in free agency. McKinney should compete with converted corner Julian Love for the starting job but he has a great chance to be starting opposite Jabrill Peppers on Opening Day.

The Giants have been dying for a playmaker in the secondary after Collins’ departure and get it here with McKinney. In a division where teams like the Cowboys and Eagles have a ton of prolific pass catchers, stocking up in the secondary makes a ton of sense.

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