Xavier McKinney on former Alabama teammates as draft prospects
Giants first-year safety Xavier McKinney had a front row seat to Nick Saban's brilliance while at Alabama.
McKinney saw plenty of success throughout his three seasons under Saban. After playing primarily as a special teamer during his freshman campaign, McKinney became a starter in 2018. Over his final two seasons, the versatile DB registered 6.0 sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss to go with his five interceptions, 15 passes defensed, six forced fumbles and two defensive touchdowns. He was named the MVP of the 2018 Orange Bowl and earned First-Team All-SEC honors in 2019.
During his time under Saban in Tuscaloosa, McKinney and the Tide went 38-4 and won the 2018 College Football Playoff National Championship. He was also a member of the Alabama team that lost to Clemson in the CFP Championship in 2019.
At the time of Joe Judge's hire, a lot was made about the head coach's experience working under Saban earlier in his career. While he has only played under Judge for one season thus far, McKinney can already see the similarities between his current coach and his former collegiate coach.
"Yeah, it's really similar," the safety said about Judge's coaching style being similar to Saban's. "When I left and obviously when I came up here and we started training, just really everything, I was like 'I feel like I'm back at school again.' That was great for me because I already felt comfortable because it almost felt like I left one place to go back to the same place.
"A lot of the things that [Judge] does is really similar as far as how we work out, just the things that we do at practice, the way he gets us ready to prepare, a lot of those things are really similar. That's something that I've always liked. I've always been a fan of it because to me, it's like the same platform. I think he's done an amazing job with everybody, just with the team in general. I've gotten to know him a little bit more as the season went on. The more and more that I got to know him, the more and more I liked him even more."
With the college football season officially over, our attention can now begin to turn towards the NFL Draft.
As it has become the norm under Saban, the Crimson Tide will have numerous prospects in this year's draft, including several likely first-round picks. Among that group is the talented wide receiver duo of Devonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle.
Smith put an exclamation point on a stellar senior season with a dazzling performance in the National Championship. The 6-foot-1, 175-pound receiver set a new CFP title game record with 12 receptions, and finished with 215 yards and three touchdowns, all of which came in the first half alone. His performance earned him the Offensive Most Valuable Player award, adding to his lengthy list of accolades from the 2020 season which includes being named the Heisman Trophy winner, the Fred Biletnikoff Award winner as the nation's top receiver, and several other player of the year honors. Smith finishes his collegiate career as the SEC's all-time leader in receiving yards (3,965) while also setting new single-season records for receiving yards (1,856) and touchdowns (23).
An ankle injury suffered in Alabama's fifth game of the season forced Waddle to miss most of his junior campaign (although he returned to play limited snaps in the CFP Championship). However, the receiver still finished with 28 receptions for 591 yards and four touchdowns in six games, good enough to earn him Second-Team All-SEC honors. Waddle was named SEC Freshman of the Year in 2018 after finishing with 45 receptions for 848 yards and seven touchdowns. He followed that up by recording 560 receiving yards and six touchdowns to go with 662 total return yards and two return touchdowns as a sophomore. His 2019 performance led to him being named First-Team All-SEC and the SEC Special Teams Player of the Year.
McKinney saw plenty of both receivers on a daily basis while he was in Tuscaloosa and believes that both are destined for big things in the NFL.
"Those are my guys," McKinney said last week. "Just being able to play with them, play against them at practice, just going against them and competing, both of those dudes are hell of receivers. They're talented as everybody can see. Those are guys that work hard. They do what they need to do for the team to be able to help the team win. That's what I like a lot about those two guys just being out there playing with them. When we played those harder games, they always showed up to play. Like I said, they're talented guys and I can't wait to see how things go on the next level for them."
Another Alabama prospect that McKinney knows well is his former teammate in the secondary, Patrick Surtain II.
Surtain put together an outstanding junior season, picking up one interception along with nine passes defensed and 3.5 tackles for loss. Surtain was able to shut down receivers on a weekly basis throughout the season, and his accolades prove it. The 20-year-old corner was named Unanimous All-American, SEC Defensive Player of the Year and First-Team All-SEC, in addition to being named the 2021 Rose Bowl Defensive MVP. His father, Patrick, played 11 seasons as a cornerback for the Miami Dolphins and Kansas City Chiefs.
Similar to his thoughts on Smith and Waddle, McKinney had nothing but good things to say about Surtain.
"That's another one of those guys where he comes to work every day, he prepares how he should and he's another talented corner," McKinney said. "It's a guy that I love to play with when we were at 'Bama. I thought he did a lot of things well. He's a really talented corner. He's one of the best technicianists that I've gotten to actually witness at corner. That's my guy. Like I said, just like with Waddle and Smitty, I'm just excited to see what he can do at the next level."
While it is too early to tell what will happen with the Alabama prospects once the NFL Draft kicks off on April 29, it is safe to assume that McKinney will be rooting just as hard for them on draft night as he was for the Crimson Tide on Monday against Ohio State.
View photos of safety Xavier McKinney in action.
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New York Giants free safety Xavier McKinney (29) intercepts a pass to Las Vegas Raiders' Zay Jones (7) as James Bradberry (24) watches during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
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New York Giants' Xavier McKinney (29) runs the ball after he intercepted it during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
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New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) intercepts a pass during a week 6 football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday October 17th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
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New York Giants' Xavier McKinney (29) runs the ball after he intercepted it during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
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New York Giants' Xavier McKinney (29) and Adoree' Jackson (22) tackle Carolina Panthers' Royce Freeman (32) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 24, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants free safety Xavier McKinney (29) intercepts a pass intended for Las Vegas Raiders' Zay Jones (7) as Giants' James Bradberry (24) watches during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
Los Angeles Rams' Cooper Kupp, right, tackles New York Giants' Xavier McKinney after McKinney intercepted a pass during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
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New York Giants' Xavier McKinney (29) celebrates with teammate Leonard Williams (99) after running back an interception for a touchdown during the second half of an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants defensive back Xavier McKinney pursues on defense against the Kansas City Chiefs during a NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 1, 2021, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs defeated the Giants 20-17. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
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New York Giants' Xavier McKinney during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants free safety Xavier McKinney (29) intercepts a pass to Las Vegas Raiders' Zay Jones (7) as James Bradberry (24) watches during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 03: The New York Giants take on the Dallas Cowboys at Metlife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
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New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) during a week 17 regular season football game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
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New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) during a week 17 regular season football game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
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New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) during a week 14 regular season football game against the Arizona Cardinals at MetLife Stadium on December 13th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
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New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) during a week 15 regular season football game against the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on December 20th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
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New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) during a week 14 regular season football game against the Arizona Cardinals at MetLife Stadium on December 13th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) celebrates with teammates after intercepting a pass from the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
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New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) during a week 17 regular season football game against the Dallas Cowboys at MetLife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) in action during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) in action during the second half of an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) during a week 15 regular season football game against the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on December 20th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) warmups up prior to an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in Cincinnati. The Giants won 19-17. (AP Photo/Aaron Doster)
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) during a week 15 regular season football game against the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on December 20th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 03: The New York Giants take on the Dallas Cowboys at Metlife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) during a week 15 regular season football game against the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium on December 20th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) runs in pursuit during an NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in Seattle. The Giants defeated the Seahawks 17-12. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Giants' Xavier McKinney during the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
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New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) during a week 14 regular season football game against the Arizona Cardinals at MetLife Stadium on December 13th, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - JANUARY 03: The New York Giants take on the Dallas Cowboys at Metlife Stadium on January 3, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Ben Solomon/New York Giants)
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New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) leaves the tunnel before a NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday Dec.13, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Evan Pinkus via AP)
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New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday June 9, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
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New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Thursday June 10, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday June 8, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
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New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) during minicamp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Tuesday June 8, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
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New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) during a training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Sunday August 23, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) during a training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Wednesday August 19, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) during a training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday August 14, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) during a training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Friday August 14, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) during a training camp practice at Quest Diagnostics Training Center on Monday August 24, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) during a week 1 football game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday September 12, 2021 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Denver Broncos won 27-13. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) gets set before the snap during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Thursday Sept. 16, 2021 in Landover, Md. The Washington Football Team won 30-29. (Alika Jenner via AP)
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) drops back during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Thursday Sept. 16, 2021 in Landover, Md. The Washington Football Team won 30-29. (Alika Jenner via AP)
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) drops into coverage during an NFL game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in East Rutherford, NJ. The Falcons defeated the Giants 17-14. (Al Tielemans via AP)
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New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) walks onto the field against the Washington Football Team prior to an NFL Game, Thursday, Sep. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. Washington beat the Giants 30-29. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) drops into coverage during an NFL game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, in East Rutherford, NJ. The Falcons defeated the Giants 17-14. (Al Tielemans via AP)
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) interacts with New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) before an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Denver Broncos won 27-13. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
New York Giants cornerback Logan Ryan (23) hugs safety Xavier McKinney (29) before a week 1 football game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday September 12, 2021 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Denver Broncos won 27-13. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) in coverage during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2021, in Landover, Md. Washington won 30-29. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) in coverage during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Denver Broncos won 27-13. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) during a week 1 football game against the Denver Broncos on Sunday September 12, 2021 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Denver Broncos won 27-13. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) in coverage during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Denver Broncos won 27-13. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) in action during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
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New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) during a Week 4 football game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday October 3, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) during a week 3 football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday September 26th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) during a week 1 game against the Denver Broncos on September 12th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) intercepts a pass during a week 6 football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday October 17th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) during a week 1 game against the Denver Broncos on September 12th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) during a week 1 game against the Denver Broncos on September 12th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) during a week 1 game against the Denver Broncos on September 12th, 2021 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) in coverage during an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, in East Rutherford. N.J. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
New York Giants free safety Xavier McKinney (29) intercepts a pass to Las Vegas Raiders' Zay Jones (7) as James Bradberry (24) watches during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/John Munson)
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) defends during an NFL regular season football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Rams won, 38-11. (Ric Tapia via AP)
New York Giants defensive back Xavier McKinney pursues on defense against the Kansas City Chiefs during a NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 1, 2021, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs defeated the Giants 20-17. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
New York Giants free safety Xavier McKinney (29) in coverage during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Monday, Nov. 1, 2021, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs won 20-17. (Perry Knotts via AP)
New York Giants free safety Xavier McKinney (29) in coverage during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Monday, Nov. 1, 2021, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs won 20-17. (Perry Knotts via AP)
New York Giants free safety Xavier McKinney (29) during warmups before an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Monday, Nov. 1, 2021 in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
New York Giants free safety Xavier McKinney (29) defends against the Dallas Cowboys during an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) in coverage prior to a play during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in New Orleans. The Giants defeated the Saints, 27-21. (Logan Bowles via AP)
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) in action during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
New York Giants safety Xavier McKinney (29) in action during an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
New York Giants free safety Xavier McKinney (29) defends during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Arlington, Texas. Dallas won 44-20. (AP Photo/Brandon Wade)
Coach Joe Judge taking notes on playoff teams
Joe Judge doesn't golf. He hasn't been hunting in a while. His off-season hobby is spending more time around the house with his family.
Thus, he found himself watching Super Wild Card Weekend on the couch with his sons.
"It's great watching playoff football," Judge said Tuesday on “Boomer & Gio” on WFAN. "But it's also very frustrating at the same time."
Judge missed out on coaching for at least one more week after the Giants' playoff hopes were extinguished in the 256th and final game of the 2020 NFL regular season. He concluded his first season as head coach of the New York Giants with a win, but the 6-10 record left the team's fate in the hands of a divisional rival, which he knows is never a good formula.
While the off-season is a time to recharge, he can't fully take off the coaching cap. He spent much of the time texting with members of the staff about what they were seeing in the playoff games. He also told his players to do as much before they went their separate ways last week.
"Before I left, I said when you watch these games, sit back, relax and allow yourself to watch and enjoy the games, but also watch the game from a lens that you've you learned to really see it," Judge said. "Look at the situation. Look at the things that really impact the game – turnovers, penalties, the mental errors. Take a look at maybe something someone could have done differently and how we would have handled it and really try to look through that lens. That's kind of the way I watch it. I'm kind of sitting there and I'm watching, I'll make a mental note or sometimes jot something down in a notebook. There's a lot of texting going back and forth between me and other members of our staff."
Re-live the most memorable moments and images from the first year of the Joe Judge era.
New York Giants guard Nick Gates (65) prepares to snap the ball during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Sep. 14, 2020 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Alika Jenner/NFL)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) looks to pass under pressure from New York Giants cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) during the first quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) makes a catch during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Sep. 14, 2020 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Michael Owens/NFL)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) leaps over Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Mike Hilton (28) during an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) reacts with linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) after a defensive play against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) runs the ball against New York Giants linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) catches a touchdown pass during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Sep. 14, 2020 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Alika Jenner/NFL)
New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter of an NFL football game Monday, Sept. 14, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) scrambles during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Sep. 14, 2020 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Alika Jenner/NFL)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) catches a touchdown pass during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Sep. 14, 2020 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Michael Owens/NFL)
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) gets sacked by New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) and defensive tackle B.J. Hill (95) during an NFL football game, Monday, Sep. 14, 2020 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Alika Jenner/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs the ball during an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Monday, Sep. 14, 2020 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Michael Owens/NFL)
New York Giants linebacker Lorenzo Carter (59) sacks Chicago Bears quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (10) during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) is pushed by Chicago Bears cornerback Buster Skrine (24) during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Chicago Bears wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson (84) is tackled by New York Giants cornerback Isaac Yiadom (27) during the second half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) runs after a catch against the Chicago Bears during the second half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
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New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) pushes Chicago Bears running back David Montgomery (32) out of bounds during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs the ball against the Chicago Bears during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
New York Giants cornerback James Bradberry (24) defends Chicago Bears wide receiver Allen Robinson (12) during the first half of an NFL football game in Chicago, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
San Francisco 49ers' Jordan Reed, right, tries to grab a pass over New York Giants' Logan Ryan during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
New York Giants wide receiver Golden Tate (15) during NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, center, throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
New York Giants running back Devonta Freeman (31) in action against the San Francisco 49ers during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants place kicker Graham Gano (5) kicks during NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) during NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
New York Giants running back Wayne Gallman (22) runs with the ball during NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Nick Mullens, center, is sacked by New York Giants Leonard Williams (99) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
New York Giants cornerback Logan Ryan (23) in action against the San Francisco 49ers during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) runs the ball during NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
New York Giants wide receiver C.J. Board (18) makes a catch during NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, September 27, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff (16) is sacked by New York Giants defensive tackle Austin Johnson (98) during NFL football game on Sunday, October 4, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
Los Angeles Rams tight end Gerald Everett, left, fumbles the ball which would then be recovered by the New York Giants during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
New York Giants wide receiver Golden Tate (15) runs the ball during NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, October 4, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) is seen in action during NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, October 4, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
New York Giants wide receiver Golden Tate (15) lines up out wide during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, October 4, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) tackles Los Angeles Rams running back Darrell Henderson (27) during an NFL football game on Sunday, October 4, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) runs after a reception against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong )
New York Giants running back Wayne Gallman (22) carries the ball in front of Los Angeles Rams free safety John Johnson (43) during an NFL football game on Sunday, October 4, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
New York Giants punter Riley Dixon (9) punts the ball during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, October 4, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws the ball during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, October 4, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
New York Giants center Nick Gates (65) and offensive guard Will Hernandez (71) block during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, October 4, 2020 in Inglewood, California. (Ben Liebenberg/NFL)
New York Giants kicker Graham Gano (5) kicks an extra point as punter Riley Dixon (9) holds during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants outside linebacker Kyler Fackrell (51) runs for a touchdown after intercepting during an NFL football game against the New York Giants on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) throws a pass under pressure from Dallas Cowboys defensive end Dorance Armstrong (92) and defensive end Aldon Smith (58) in the first half of an NFL football game in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
Head Coach Joe Judge picked up his first win as a head coach in this Week 5 victory over the Cowboys.
New York Giants' Casey Kreiter (58), place kicker Graham Gano (5) and punter Riley Dixon (9) celebrate a field goal kicked by Gano in the first half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 11, 2020. (AP Photo/Ron Jenkins)
New York Giants linebacker Blake Martinez (54) reacts during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (78) catches a 2-point conversion pass during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, October 11, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
OLB Kyler Fackrell finished the game with 3 tackles (2 solo), 1 tackle for loss, 1 pass defended, 1 quarterback hit and an interception which he returned 46 yards for a touchdown.
2021: DL Leonard Williams (No. 84)
Head Coach Joe Judge picks up his first win as a head coach.
Leonard Williams (99)
QB Daniel Jones completed 12 of 19 passes for 112 yards and a touchdown, adding seven carries for 74 yards.
New York Giants' Dexter Lawrence (97) tackles Washington Football Team's J.D. McKissic (41) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 18, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
WR Darius Slayton caught two passes for 41 yards and a touchdown.
New York Giants' Daniel Jones plays during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
WR Golden Tate caught just one pass but made it count, taking it 39 yards for a touchdown.
New York Giants wide receiver Golden Tate (15) makes a catch to score a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday, October 22, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Ric Tapia/NFL)
New York Giants' James Bradberry (24) intercepts a pass against Philadelphia Eagles' John Hightower (82) during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) looks to throw the ball during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday, October 22, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Perry Knotts/NFL)
New York Giants' Daniel Jones runs with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
New York Giants' Blake Martinez reacts after a missed sack during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
New York Giants' Sterling Shepard (87) catches a touchdown pass against Philadelphia Eagles' Darius Slay (24) and Rodney McLeod (23) during the second half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derik Hamilton)
New York Giants' Logan Ryan (23) celebrates with teammates after the Giants forced a turnover on downs during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Thursday, Oct. 22, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
New York Giants' Wayne Gallman runs the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
New York Giants running back Dion Lewis (33) celebrates with quarterback Daniel Jones (8) after scoring a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, November 2, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
New York Giants cornerback Darnay Holmes (30) celebrates after picking up a fumble during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, November 2, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
New York Giants' James Bradberry, right, knocks away a pass intended for Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Mike Evans during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) sacks Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) during a week 8 regular season Monday Night football game at MetLife Stadium on November 2nd, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) celebrates sacking Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady (12) during a week 8 regular season Monday Night football game at MetLife Stadium on November 2nd, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey
New York Giants' Evan Engram, right, fends off Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Lavonte David during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, November 2, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Cooper Neill/NFL)
New York Giants tight end Evan Engram (88) dives with the ball during an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, November 2, 2020 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
New York Giants' Golden Tate, right, catches a touchdown in front of Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Sean Murphy-Bunting during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
New York Giants head coach Joe Judge on the sidelines during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Corey Sipkin)
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) makes a catch during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team on Sunday, November 8, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
New York Giants wide receiver Austin Mack (81) runs down field against Washington Football Team cornerback Ronald Darby (23) in the first half of an NFL football game between the New York Giants and Washington Football Team, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) celebrates with New York Giants defensive end Leonard Williams (99) during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team on Sunday, November 8, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
LB Blake Martinez finished with a team-high 10 tackles (three solo), two passes defended and an interception.
TE Evan Engram recorded five receptions for 48 yards and a touchdown on a team-high 10 targets.
New York Giants linebacker Blake Martinez (54) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team on Sunday, November 8, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
RB Alfred Morris carried the ball nine times for 67 yards (7.4 yards per carry) and caught one pass for four yards.
New York Giants wide receiver Sterling Shepard (87) tries to runs past Washington Football Team safety Deshazor Everett (22) in the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 8, 2020, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Al Drago)
New York Giants safety Jabrill Peppers (21) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team on Sunday, November 8, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
DB Logan Ryan registered six tackles (five solo), two passes defended, a forced fumble and the game-clinching interception at the end of the fourth quarter.
New York Giants offensive tackle Matt Peart (74) celebrates with long snapper Casey Kreiter (58) and punter Riley Dixon (9) during an NFL football game against the Washington Football Team on Sunday, November 8, 2020 in Landover, Maryland. (Mikey Owens/NFL)
New York Giants' Wayne Gallman (22) rushes during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Philadelphia Eagles' Avonte Maddox (29) tackles New York Giants' Austin Mack (81) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 15, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
