Nick Saban's favorite safeties almost always work out in the NFL. HaHa Clinton-Dix, Landon Collins, Eddie Jackson, Minkah Fitzpatrick, etc. -- safeties who start for multiple seasons under Saban often become capable starters in the NFL, if not full-blown stars. There will always be exceptions, but Saban does not tend to miss when he puts an extraordinary amount of faith in a player.
Xavier McKinney is the most recent safety entrusted with the fate of the Alabama defense. Though not necessarily Saban's best safety since he took over the Crimson Tide, McKinney is as smart, versatile, and tough as anyone at the position Saban has ever coached.