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NFL coordinator puts Packers star in rare stratosphere because of his unique skillset that separates him from most peers

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Wendell Ferreira | Last updated Jul 10, 2025 5:24 PM ET

The Green Bay Packers achieved rare free agency success last season. The highest best, and also the most successful, was the addition of safety Xavier McKinney on a four-year, $67 million contract to take him away from the New York Giants. In his first season as a Packer, McKinney was second in the NFL in interceptions and made the First-Team All-Pro for the first time in his career.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler is publishing the positional rankings this week, and McKinney was third at safety, just behind Baltimore Ravens' Kyle Hamilton and Detroit Lions' Brian Branch (which is already questionable). McKinney only had fewer first-place votes than Hamilton and was one of four safeties to appear on every ballot.

An unnamed NFL coordinator had something particularly interesting to say about the Packers defensive star, and it's why he's so impactful for Jeff Hafley's defense.

"Whoo, that guy's a player," the coordinator said. "One of the first safeties that can do it all."

McKinney's numbers from last season prove how versatile he is. The safety played 595 snaps deep, 340 in the box, 88 in the slot, 38 closer to the line of scrimmage, and four as an outside cornerback. He had eight interceptions, a sack, four pressures, 62 tackles, 12 stops, three pass breakups, and allowed an insane 56.4 passer rating when targeted.

An NFL personnel evaluator mentioned how smart McKinney is, beyond his physical skills.

"Multidimensional traits, high football IQ, range over the top with the ability to play man coverage over slot receivers," he told ESPN. "Has the playmaking element to his game."

Even better for the Packers, Xavier McKinney is still under contract for three more seasons. The star defensive back is slated to make $12.1 million in 2025, $13.35 million in 2026, and $16.75 million in 2027—all extremely reasonable numbers for a player of his caliber.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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