The Jaguars look for a safety in the 2020 Draft

Safety is not a critical need for the Jaguars. However, the safeties in the 2020 draft have many skills the Jaguars could use for depth on this team.

The position of safety is rarely a high priority in the NFL. They are seldom high draft choices. In fact, you could say you don’t really need a safety until you need one. The safeties on the Jaguars roster are Ronnie Harrison, Josh Jones, Doug Middleton, and Jarrod Wilson. Cody Davis became a free agent this week.

While it is not as big a need for the Jaguars, there is a need for depth and better play on the backline.

"“This appears to be one of the few areas on the Jaguars’ defense without a glaring need. Both Harrison and Wilson are under contract and appear likely to start next season, and Davis is a front-line special teams player,” John Oehser of Jaguars.com wrote. “While the Jaguars could address depth here, it would be a surprise if they drafted the spot early or signed a premier free agent.”"

The Jaguars must determine how their current group of safeties fit what the defense will do in 2020.

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"“This is a tricky spot for the Jaguars; as is the case at offensive line, the Jaguars are good here – but not yet great,” Oehser continues. “Wilson and Harrison are starting-level players, but neither played at a difference-making level last season. Harrison has big-time ability but has been inconsistent; he flashed at times with some impact plays but – like multiple players in the Jaguars’ back seven – had some untimely errors that led to big plays.”"

The top safety in the draft this year is Xavier McKinney from Alabama.  He is 6’ tall and weighs 201 pounds. His draft grade of 6.38 indicates that he will be a starter within the first two years. He ran a 4.63 40-yard dash. He is projected as a late first or early second-round draft choice by most sites. McKinney began his career at Alabama as a backup and special teams member. He started in 2018 and 2019 and was first-team All-SEC in 2019. In 2019 he had 95 tackles, three sacks, four forced fumbles, and three interceptions.

McKinney is one player who appears to be rising on many draft boards at the right time and could offer the team another Crimson Tide player who could solidify the secondary even more.

"“Ascending safety prospect offering a combination of plus athleticism, field awareness and versatility. McKinney split time equally at slot, free safety and in the box and is accomplished in each,” writes Lance Zierlein of NFL.com.“His coverage instincts, athleticism and quick-twitch burst are more cornerback than safety, which is why he’s likely to be a coveted toy for teams looking to upgrade and diversify their sub-packages.”"

By comparison, he is a lot like former Florida Gators star Chauncey Gardner Johnson

Because of his ability to play at a high level and is known for his high football IQ and versatility, analysts at Walter Football believe he is a candidate to play the free safety position in the NFL. He has also spent time at strong safety and could see time as a slot corner as well.

According to his draft profile, “McKinney had 95 tackles with three interceptions, three sacks, five passes defended and four forced fumbles in 2019. He was a steady and good safety for Alabama, displaying his versatility.

"“McKinney showed the ability to be a jack-of-all-trades in the secondary, as he is able to contribute in man coverage on tight ends and wide receivers, can play deep zone free safety, also has the strength to tackle and can be the eighth man in the box. McKinney has size, speed, athleticism, and upside for the NFL.”"

McKinney has all the tools to be an excellent NFL player. It is obvious that his ability to play multiple positions is what many teams including the Jaguars are looking for. The only blot on his record is an “awkward” interview with the Patriots. He would be a solid player for Jaguars defensive coordinator Todd Wash.

It is unlikely Jacksonville will draft a safety in the first or second round. There are other talented safeties in the draft that could be acquired later on, possibly on Day 2. But if McKinney somehow slips to the second round and is there when the Jaguars are on the clock, things could get interesting in how the team makes its next draft move.