Alabama top cornerback prospect impresses recruiters at pro day

Despite being injured, Alabama’s Kool-Aid McKinstry, a top cornerback prospect in the 2024 draft, puts up an amazing performance.

The Alabama Crimson Tide held their Pro Day today, and many of the finest defensive prospects were on exhibit. Cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry was expected to participate despite missing all of the activities at the NFL combine due to a Jones fracture in his foot.

McKinstry ran a 4.47 40-yard sprint at Alabama’s Pro Day, which is noteworthy. He is slated to have surgery on his Jones fracture on Friday and is expected to be able to fully participate in training camp.

McKinstry is scheduled to go in the early second round on Friday and to be completely prepared before running the 40-yard dash. His stock should rise after jogging.

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 a quality cornerback who also served as a punt returner. The Associated Press and The Sporting News named him a first-team All-American, as did CBS Sports, Pro Football Focus, Sports Illustrated, and USA Today.

He received second-team All-America honors from the AFCA and Walter Camp, as well as second-team All-American recognition from The Athletic. McKinstry was named first-team All-SEC by both the Associated Press and conference coaches.

McKinstry broke up seven passes and recorded 32 tackles, including two for loss (-4 yards). He also returned 14 punts for 86 total yards, including a long gain of 33. Kool-Aid was selected as a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, which is granted annually to the nation’s top defensive back.

Kool-Aid Projections

Kool-Aid is ranked as the number one cornerback in this year’s draft. Terrion Arnold, his Alabama teammate, is his major competition.

McKinstry stood 5′ 11 1/2” and weighed 199 pounds. With a 32-inch arm length, he fits the mold of a cornerback.
According to Next Gen Stats, he was the second highest-scoring combine cornerback using their scoring metric.
Mel Kiper’s newest mock draft sees Arnold going 17th to the Jaguars, while McKinstry is expected to go early in the second round.

“He’s a serious man on the field who knows the ball. “You rarely see him bust because he is always prepared and natural in coverage.” – NFC regional scout.

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