Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry is among the most physically impressive defensive prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft even though his pre-draft process has been complicated by injury. Medical evaluations during the NFL Combine discovered that McKinstry had a Jones fracture in his right foot. The reported plan is for McKinstry to work out physically at his upcoming Pro Day (3/20) before undergoing surgery to address the injury.
When healthy, McKinstry possesses the size, quickness, and general athleticism necessary to thrive in a press-man-heavy scheme. He leaves Alabama with 92 career tackles and 25 pass breakups under his belt. McKinstry is extremely confident when tasked with playing man-to-man coverage on an island.
McKinstry still projects as a potential first-round pick despite injury clouding his evaluation. With that in mind, we've identified three potential landing spots for McKinstry in the 2024 NFL Draft.
JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS
It's been an interesting free-agency period for the Jaguars. They made valiant efforts to re-sign 1,000-yard receiver Calvin Ridley, who opted to join their AFC South rival Tennessee Titans instead. General manager Trent Baalke responded by using that money to sign defensive lineman Arik Armstead. An underrated move that could bring Jacksonville's round-one plans to light was the release of starting cornerback Darious Williams.
Ronald Darby was signed as a depth option, but an every-down perimeter starter is now required opposite Tyson Campbell. New defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen prefers long and competitive cornerbacks. He's coached the likes of A.J. Terrell and Marshon Lattimore in previous stops. McKinstry is tailor-made to play in Nielsen's scheme.
DETROIT LIONS
Lions general manager Brad Holmes entered the offseason intending to revamp his group of cornerbacks after they contributed to allowing a 27th-ranked 247.4 passing yards per contest. It's a position of priority for Holmes, who acquired Carlton Davis through trade, re-signed Emmanuel Moseley, and added Amik Robertson in free agency. Another dominant-like talent is needed to complete the transformation.
The secondary was arguably Detroit's biggest weakness throughout a season that saw them advance to the NFC Championship Game. Fielding a stingier defense would increase Detroit's chances of repeating those efforts. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn returns after fielding some head coaching interest earlier this offseason. Glenn would likely appreciate an opportunity to coach a more talented secondary than he did last season.
ARIZONA CARDINALS
Taking one look at the Cardinals’ depth chart makes it clear as day that they’re expecting to draft wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. with the No. 4 overall selection. General manager Monti Ossenfort then possesses another first-round selection at pick 27. I can see Ossenfort targeting a cornerback like McKinstry.
One of Arizona's biggest needs entering free agency was offensive tackle. That's been addressed by signing right tackle Jonah Williams, a move that will prompt last year's first-rounder Paris Johnson Jr. to slide over to the left side. Solidifying the offensive tackle position should allow Ossenfort to focus on other needs at picks 27 and 35, such as pass rusher and cornerback.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon is a defensive-minded leader who previously coached a talented secondary in Philadelphia. He's partial to prospects with McKinstry's physical makeup.
