​Xavier McKinney didn’t pile up the interceptions during the 2025 season, but the NFL still rightfully views the Green Bay Packers safety as one of the elite players at his position entering 2026.In Jeremy Fowler’s compilation of votes from coaches, executives and scouts at ESPN, McKinney ranked third among all NFL safeties, trailing only Kyle Hamilton of the Baltimore Ravens and Derwin James Jr. of the Los Angeles Chargers.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementMcKinney didn’t rank higher than third on any ballot, but he also didn’t finish lower than seventh on a single ballot — suggesting he’s universally viewed as one of the game’s best at safety. McKinney, a two-time All-Pro, also finished third in ESPN’s voting entering the 2025 season.From one AFC coach: “He sees the game very quickly…Fast processor. He is always in a great position and plays the game in control. He can tackle, he can cover, and he gets the ball.”Anonymous quotes from inside the NFL don’t always hit the mark, but the AFC coach perfectly described what makes McKinney so great. Plays fast. In control, reliable. And can do everything required of a modern NFL safety.McKinney has 10 interceptions and 21 total passes defensed over his two seasons in Green Bay. He was a first-team All-Pro after intercepting eight passes in 2024 and a second-team All-Pro pick despite tallying only two picks in 2025. While the splash plays weren’t as frequent, McKinney remained rock solid and reliable in coverage and as a tackler while playing 100 percent of the Packers’ defensive snaps during the first 16 games of 2025.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAn incredible stat from the rankings: “McKinney hasn’t allowed a touchdown as the nearest defender since joining the Packers in 2024, per NFL Next Gen Stats.”McKinney, who doesn’t turn 28 until next month, is under contract with the Packers for two more seasons. He signed a four-year, $67 million deal in Green Bay before the 2024 season.This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: NFL still sees Packers’ Xavier McKinney as elite safety entering 2026