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The Seattle Seahawks have a great foundation. On offense, Seattle has a MVP-caliber quarterback, two solid options at running back and developing options at receivers. On defense, a great group of linebackers, Jadaveon Clowney and newly-acquired Quandre Diggs give the team some hope for the future.
However, despite being 11-3 on the season, the Seahawks have a margin of victory of just 1.9 this season. A big part of that has been because of the team's less than stellar pass defense. The Seahwawks rank 29th in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game.
If the Seahawks want to get back to the days of the Richard Sherman and the legion of boom, a lockdown defensive back should be the top priority on their lists going into the draft.
With the success they've had this season, it's unlikely that Seattle will land a prospect like Ohio State's Jeff Okudah who is widely seen as the draft class' best cornerback prospect. However, with the team most likely drafting towards the end of the first round, there are still quality options that could be immediate upgrades for a struggling Seahawks secondary.
Alabama's Xavier McKinney is one of those prospects. McKinney, who can play either safety or cornerback at the next level, was just recently named to the First-Team All-SEC after a spectacular junior season.
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In 2019, the Crimson Tide star racked up 85 total tackles, 4.5 tackles for a loss, two sacks and three interceptions. The 6-foot-1, 200-pound defensive back has been compared to former Alabama and current Pittsburgh Steelers star Minkah Fitzpatrick.
McKinney has been lauded for his all-around play and ability to do it all on the field. He's useful in coverage, as a pass rusher off the edge. Although not the best athlete in the draft class, McKinney certainly has the skills and physical talent to be a star in the NFL.
His fantastic footwork, ability to attack the ball are some of McKinney's best qualities. However, what may be most impressive is how much he has been tested at Alabama. This year, Mckinney had to face off against elite SEC receivers such as Ja'Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson and Seth Williams while also battling against Alabama's stable of receivers at practice.
In a division that features pass catchers like George Kittle, Emmanuel Sanders, Cooper Kupp, and Robert Woods, the Seahawks will certainly need to defend the pass at a high level. They haven't been doing that recently and have managed just fine but if they want a defense that matches the potential of the offense, a player like McKinney could be the perfect fit.
