Lions Predicted to Sign Former Giants Second-Rounder to Bolster Pass Rush

The Detroit Lions have long struggled with consistency on defense, particularly in terms of their pass rush. After years of near-constant upheaval in the defensive line and a series of lackluster performances, the Lions seem poised to make a significant move in free agency that could have a lasting impact on their defensive front. Recent rumors suggest that the Lions are predicted to sign a former second-round pick of the New York Giants who has shown flashes of potential but has yet to fully capitalize on his talent.

This prediction has captured the attention of Lions fans and analysts alike, who see the acquisition of this player as a possible game-changer for a defensive unit that has the potential to evolve into a much more formidable force. In this article, we will break down who this player is, how his potential signing could impact the Lions’ defense, and what it would mean for their chances in the upcoming season.

The Player in Question: A Former Second-Round Pick

The player in question is none other than Xavier McKinney, a former second-round pick of the New York Giants. McKinney, a standout safety out of Alabama, was drafted in the 2nd round of the 2020 NFL Draft and quickly became one of the key pieces of the Giants’ secondary. McKinney is well-known for his versatility, athleticism, and ability to make an impact both in coverage and as a blitzer.

Over the past few seasons with the Giants, McKinney has shown flashes of brilliance but has also been inconsistent at times. Injuries have certainly been a factor in his development, as a broken foot in his rookie season limited his effectiveness, and his overall fit within the Giants’ defensive system has been questioned. While he certainly has the tools to be a high-level player in the NFL, he hasn’t yet been able to put everything together on a consistent basis.

However, McKinney’s potential as a pass rusher is undeniable. His ability to play close to the line of scrimmage, pressure the quarterback, and create turnovers is exactly what the Lions’ defense needs to take the next step. The team has struggled in recent seasons to generate consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, often leaving their secondary exposed to big plays. McKinney could help change that dynamic.

Why the Lions Need a Player Like McKinney

The Detroit Lions’ defense has undergone a transformation over the last couple of seasons under head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. While the team has made strides in various areas, one of the most glaring weaknesses has been the lack of a dominant pass rush. The Lions have consistently ranked near the bottom of the league in terms of sack totals and quarterback pressures, which has made it difficult for the team to consistently stop opposing offenses.

In particular, the Lions have struggled to generate pressure from their secondary and linebacker corps, often relying too heavily on their defensive line to create opportunities for the pass rush. While the team has invested in defensive linemen like Aidan Hutchinson and Julian Okwara, the pass rush has still not been consistent enough to give the defense a true edge.

Adding a player like McKinney, who has the ability to be a versatile blitzer and make an impact both in coverage and as a rusher, would significantly improve the Lions’ pass rush. McKinney’s ability to disrupt plays from a safety position, combined with his natural instincts and athleticism, would give the defense a much-needed boost in creating chaos in the backfield.

Additionally, McKinney’s ability to adapt to various roles in the defense could allow the Lions to be more flexible in their defensive schemes. Whether it’s rushing the passer from a safety position, dropping back into coverage, or playing in the box to stop the run, McKinney would give Glenn and the defensive staff more options to be creative and unpredictable in their play calling.

How McKinney’s Skills Could Fit into the Lions’ Defense

One of the reasons why McKinney’s potential signing makes so much sense for the Lions is that his skill set aligns perfectly with the team’s defensive needs. The Lions have been focusing on versatility and flexibility in recent drafts and acquisitions, and McKinney’s unique blend of skills would make him a valuable asset.

Blitzing and Pass Rush

McKinney’s ability to rush the passer is perhaps his most valuable trait. While he is a safety by position, he has shown on multiple occasions that he can be an effective blitzer when called upon. In his time with the Giants, McKinney has demonstrated an ability to read the quarterback and time his blitzes well, often catching opposing quarterbacks off guard. This makes him a perfect fit for the Lions’ defensive scheme, which has placed a premium on versatility in the past few seasons.

With players like Hutchinson, Okwara, and McKinney on the field, the Lions would have the ability to generate pressure from multiple positions, forcing opposing offenses to account for different players rushing the passer at all times. This unpredictability is key to disrupting the rhythm of an opposing quarterback, and McKinney’s skill set would provide just the kind of disruptive element the Lions’ defense has lacked.

Coverage and Interceptions

While McKinney is best known for his pass-rushing ability, he is also an adept cover man, especially in zone coverage. As a safety, he is able to read the quarterback’s eyes and react quickly, allowing him to jump routes and make plays on the ball. Over his career, McKinney has shown that he has an instinct for finding the ball and positioning himself to make interceptions or deflect passes.

The Lions’ defense has shown a penchant for creating turnovers, and adding McKinney to the back end of the defense could make this even more of a focal point. With McKinney’s ability to read the game and position himself to make plays, the Lions could improve their overall turnover differential, which would help the team win games in the long run.

Run Defense

While McKinney is primarily known for his skills in coverage and pass rushing, he is also a capable tackler and run defender. His physicality allows him to step up in the box when necessary, providing an additional body to help slow down the run game. This would be particularly beneficial in the NFC North, where teams like the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings often rely on a heavy run game to control the clock and set up play-action.

The ability to have McKinney play in the box or drop back into coverage based on the situation would give the Lions’ defense more flexibility in defending against both the pass and the run. With the NFL becoming more of a pass-heavy league, a player like McKinney who can do both is incredibly valuable.

The Contract Situation: What to Expect

While McKinney has not lived up to the full expectations that come with being a second-round pick, his potential is still considerable. This means that any contract the Lions would offer him would likely be on the lower end, especially if the team believes that McKinney can develop into a more consistent player in a new environment.

The Lions have some cap space to work with and could look to bring McKinney in on a one- or two-year prove-it deal, with performance-based incentives built into the contract. This would allow McKinney to prove that he can stay healthy and contribute to the pass rush while also giving the Lions an affordable option to bolster their defense.

What McKinney’s Signing Means for the Lions’ Pass Rush

If the Lions were to sign McKinney, it would signal a commitment to improving their pass rush and defense as a whole. With McKinney’s skill set, the Lions would have the opportunity to bring more pressure on opposing quarterbacks, disrupt passing plays, and ultimately create more opportunities for their defense to make impactful plays.

While McKinney may not be the marquee pass rusher the Lions are looking for, his versatility would make him an ideal complement to the team’s existing pass rushers. With Hutchinson, Okwara, and now McKinney, the Lions could develop a more balanced and dynamic defensive front, capable of adjusting to various offensive schemes and creating havoc in the backfield.

The Detroit Lions’ defense has undergone a transformation over the last few years, but the pass rush has remained an area of concern. By adding a versatile and talented player like Xavier McKinney, the Lions could significantly improve their ability to generate pressure on the quarterback and create turnovers. McKinney’s ability to rush the passer, cover the field, and step up in run defense would make him an invaluable asset to the Lions’ defense, and his signing would signal a clear intent to build a more dynamic and aggressive defensive unit.

If the rumors prove true and the Lions do sign McKinney, it could mark a turning point for the team’s defense, giving them the necessary tools to compete at a higher level in the NFC North and beyond. The next step for the Lions is to continue strengthening their defense and finding players who can elevate the team’s performance on that side of the ball. Signing McKinney could very well be the first step toward building a defense capable of contending in the postseason and beyond.