Alabama’s Kool-Aid McKinstry, a top cornerback prospect in the 2024 draft, has an impressive showing despite injury.
The Alabama Crimson Tide hosted its Pro Day today, and many of the top defensive prospects are on display. Cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry’s participation was anticipated after he could not do any drills at the NFL combine due to a Jones fracture in his foot.
McKinstry ran a 4.47 40-yard dash at Bama’s Pro Day, which was impressive. He is scheduled for surgery on his Jones fracture on Friday and is expected to be a full participant in training camp.
McKinstry is thought to go in the early second round on Friday and is expected to be fully ready before running his 40-yard dash. His stock should improve after running.
Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry probably made himself some money here at pro day, running a 40 that scouts clocked as low as 4.47 — despite a Jones fracture that doctors discovered at the combine. He’ll have surgery Friday and is expected to be full go for camp. pic.twitter.com/mee0fEihE3
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 20, 2024
Kool-Aid at Alabama
Three-year starter and former five-star prospect with a quirky name and consistent game (NFL.com)
According to the Alabama team website, McKinstry was one of the nation’s top corners who also contributed as a punt returner. The Associated Press and The Sporting News selected him as a first-team All-American, and CBS Sports, Pro Football Focus, Sports Illustrated, and USA Today named him a first-teamer.
He garnered second-team All-America accolades from the AFCA and Walter Camp and was also tabbed as a second-team All-American by The Athletic. McKinstry earned first-team All-SEC honors from the AP and conference coaches.
McKinstry broke up seven passes to go with 32 tackles, including two for loss (-4 yards). He also returned 14 punts for 86 combined yards with a long gain of 33. Kool-Aid was selected as a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, presented each year to the nation’s top defensive back
Kool-Aid Projections
Kool-Aid is rated as the number for cornerback in this year’s draft. His main competition is his teammate at Alabama, Terrion Arnold.
In Mel Kiper’s latest mock draft, he has Arnold going 17th to the Jaguars, while McKinstry is projected to go early in the second round.
“He’s a serious guy on the field and knows the ball. You rarely see him bust because he’s always prepared and natural in coverage.” – NFC regional scout.
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