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Giants lose second round pick Xavier McKinney to foot fracture

By Cory Kinnan

OXFORD, MS - SEPTEMBER 15: Xavier McKinney #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide defends during a game against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
OXFORD, MS - SEPTEMBER 15: Xavier McKinney #15 of the Alabama Crimson Tide defends during a game against the Mississippi Rebels at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on September 15, 2018 in Oxford, Mississippi. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /
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The Giants were expecting big things from Xavier McKinney in 2020

The New York Giants are in the middle of a rebuild. Second-year quarterback, first-year head coach, and a talented but young 2020 NFL Draft class to build off of. That class, however, took a small step back this week as second round pick and safety Xavier McKinney is now expected to remain sidelined for the foreseeable future after undergoing surgery on a broken foot.

Expected to pair with former first round pick Jabrill Peppers, acquired a year ago from the Cleveland Browns in the Odell Beckham Jr. trade, the Giants looked to have a young duo to build around in the third level of their defense.  Now they look to scramble a bit after the injury to the penciled-in starter in McKinney.

Where do the Giants turn after Xavier McKinney injury?

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After the injury to McKinney, it seems likely that Julian Love, a fourth round pick from the 2019 NFL Draft, will see the majority of the reps from free safety. However, Love has nickel versatility as well, so who will step in at safety when Love comes up into the slot?

Beyond Love and Peppers, the Giants are extremely thin at the safety position, so they will expect and give the opportunity for someone to make a name for themselves. The other names in the room include veteran and special teamer Nater Ebner, Sean Chandler, and Dravon Askew-Henry.

What is next for McKinney?

McKinney was the second rookie safety of the week to go down a week ago, following Grant Delpit, who ruptured his Achilles for the Browns. He will now look to rehab his foot, and while there is no timetable on his return, it is not likely to be in the near future for the Giants.

4 helmets OT Tommy Doyle fits best in at next level. dark. Next

After a successful career with the Alabama Crimson Tide, McKinney was expected to play a major role early on in his rookie year. Now he and the Giants will have to wait a bit longer in order for him to make his long-awaited debut in the blue and red.

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