Xavier McKinney is a star.
In just three games for the Green Bay Packers, McKinney has made a league-high three interceptions, three pass defenses, 13 tackles, and a tackle for loss. According to PFF, he has allowed two receptions on four targets for 23 yards, no touchdowns, and three picks, with quarterbacks earning an awful 28.1 rating throwing his way.
The Packers knew McKinney was a perfect fit in Jeff Hafley's scheme, and we're seeing why they spent big money to bring him to Green Bay.
McKinney is the quarterback of the defense. He leads by example and is making big-time plays every week. He has made an All-Pro start to the season, which hasn't gone unnoticed by Packers legend Charles Woodson.
Charles Woodson has high praise for Xavier McKinney after Packers' Week 3 win
Woodson is a big fan of McKinney and sent some love his way on social media, writing that he knew the Packers' safety "was going to be special" in Hafley's defense. McKinney saw his message and sent a great response.
Things we love to see? This.
It would be unfair to compare any new signing to Woodson, who is one of the greatest players in Packers history. However, McKinney is showing signs that he can make the kind of impact Woodson did when he joined the team as a free agent in 2006.
Woodson became a playmaker and leader in the Packers' secondary, helping lead a championship defense in 2010.
It's way too early to make a similar assessment about McKinney, but the difference in the Packers' safety position from last season is night and day, and the former New York Giant is responsible. His game-changing plays take the headlines, but McKinney also provides leadership for a relatively young team. Players look up to him and have a star to learn from.
The Packers knew McKinney had All-Pro potential, but even Brian Gutekunst must be surprised at just how good his big-money signing already is.
Woodson isn't. The nine-time Pro Bowler knew how much of an impact McKinney could make in Green Bay.
