GREEN BAY — Xavier McKinney is no longer an underdog. The Packers safety ranked No. 70 in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2026, announced Tuesday on NFL.com. It is his second consecutive selection. Voted by peers, the ranking signals a definitive shift in Green Bay’s defensive identity.
McKinney recorded 107 tackles and five interceptions in 2025. He earned a Pro Bowl nod. The NFL.com reveal (Nos. 70-61) placed him among elite company: Lamar Jackson and Roquan Smith also appeared in the 2026 rankings, per Bleacher Report.
The climb from Giants castoff to Packers All-Pro took three seasons. McKinney’s 2025 stat line — 16 games, 107 tackles, five picks — reflects statistical dominance. Packers.com noted his All-Pro pedigree and team cultural impact. Peer recognition validates the leap.
Breaking down the No. 70 spot: McKinney now sits in a new elite tier among safeties. His rangy coverage and physical tackling reshape Green Bay’s scheme. The domino effect elevates cornerbacks and linebackers around him. Bleacher Report cited his inclusion alongside Jackson in the 2026 rankings.
McKinney solved the Packers’ safety woes. He is the “Quarterback of the Defense” in the locker room. The 2026 expectations: can he crack the Top 50 next year? Packers.com’s feature emphasized his leadership.
Beyond the ranking, McKinney represents a modern safety archetype: hybrid playmaker. His No. 70 ranking inspires other underdogs. Fan and media reactions buzz around Green Bay’s defensive resurgence. The broader NFL Top 100 conversation continues on NFL.com.
Will McKinney climb higher in 2027? The answer lies in 2026 performance. For now, No. 70 is a beacon. From underdog to elite, he redefined expectations. Green Bay’s defense is a powerhouse.
| Player | Rank | Team | 2025 Tackles | 2025 Interceptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Xavier McKinney | 70 | Green Bay Packers | 107 | 5 |
| Roquan Smith | 65 | Baltimore Ravens | 158 | 2 |
| Lamar Jackson | Top 10 | Baltimore Ravens | N/A | N/A |
💡 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: What is Xavier McKinney’s ranking in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2026?
- A: Xavier McKinney ranked No. 70 in the NFL Top 100 Players of 2026, his second consecutive appearance on the list.
- Q: What were McKinney’s stats in the 2025 season?
- A: McKinney recorded 107 tackles and five interceptions in 16 games during the 2025 season.
- Q: How did McKinney’s ranking impact the Packers defense?
- A: His No. 70 ranking validates Green Bay’s defensive resurgence, elevates surrounding players like cornerbacks and linebackers, and establishes him as the ‘Quarterback of the Defense.’
- Q: What are the expectations for McKinney in 2027?
- A: After back-to-back Top 100 selections, the expectation is whether McKinney can crack the Top 50 in the 2027 rankings.
Extended Reading
Full Top 100 countdown available at NFL.com. Bleacher Report’s updated 2026 rankings include Jackson and McKinney. Packers.com features McKinney’s All-Pro pedigree and team impact.
