clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

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

We take a look at what safeties could be selected first in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Alabama defensive back Xavier McKinney speaks to the media during the 2020 NFL Combine in the Indianapolis Convention. Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

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.

Odds for first safety taken in 2020 NFL Draft

Player Odds
Player Odds
Xavier McKinney -177
Grant Delpit +130
Antoine Winfield Jr. +1600
Ashtyn Davis +2500
Kyle Dugger +3000
Jeremy Chinn +15000
Alohi Gilman +15000
Brandon Jones +15000
Julian Blackmon +15000
Antoine Brooks +15000
Jordan Fuller +15000
Terrell Burgess +25000
J.R. Reed +25000

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA) or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN) or 1-800-522-4700 (NH). NH/NJ/WV/IN/PA only. 21+ (18+ NH). Eligibility Restrictions Apply. See website for details.