New England Patriots 2020 NFL draft: 5 prospects of extreme interest

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 26: Cole Kmet #84 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates his second half touchdown against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium on October 26, 2019 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan won the game 45-14. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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NFL Draft Prospect Xavier McKinney (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Xavier McKenney, S, Alabama

The New England Patriots aren’t getting any younger at the safety position and Alabama defensive back Xavier McKinney could fit the bill.

With Devin McCourty hitting free agency and Patrick Chung past his prime, Bill Belichick could suddenly find himself thin at the position with only Chung, Duron Harmon and Terrence Brooks at the position.

In need of injecting some talented youth into the team, McKinney is a player who is projected to be available when the team selects at No. 23. You better believe Belichick will have some input from his good pal Nick Saban on McKinney’s fit with the team.

At 6-0 ft and 201 pounds, Xavier McKinney has a high football IQ, which Belichick loves in a player. He also has the speed, versatility and length to excel in a New England Patriots defensive backfield that likes to do creative things with their safeties.

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With his high upside and experience playing in a program like Alabama under Saban, McKinney would be an intriguing player for the New England Patriots as he could not only learn from Bill Belichick, but get to play behind and watch veterans like Patrick Chung and Devin McCourty if the team re-signs him.

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