Xavier McKinney leads odds for first safety off the board in 2020 NFL Draft

Some teams really struggled defending the pass in 2019, and that usually means building a strong secondary should be a priority. Two safeties in the 2020 NFL Draft class stand out above the rest. We identified what players could be the first safety selected in April through DraftKings Sportsbook odds.

Alabama’s Xavier McKinney (-177) and LSU’s Grant Delpit (+130) have distinguished themselves from the rest of their peers. Xavier is a hybrid that can play anywhere. He can be useful as a ball hawk waiting in the back, matching up against slot receivers, and is an asset in the box. He tallied three interceptions, three sacks, and forced four fumbles last season. Delpit won the Jim Thorpe Award, which is given to the best defensive back in football. He’s the heir apparent to stud DBs like Tyrann Mathieu and Patrick Peterson and is neck and neck with McKinney.

Cal’s Ashtyn Davis (+2500) might not be a household name, but he has a ton of upside. He’s a track star turned kick returner and defensive back, so he can be useful to the offense as well. He only spent two seasons at safety with the Golden Bears after transitioning from quarterback, so he’s a little raw. But his natural athleticism is something that doesn’t come around often.

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