FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL Draft scouting reports before the Combine in March. Here’s a look at Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry.
2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Kool-Aid McKinstry
Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB – Alabama)
6’1″ – 195 lbs.
Background:
Given name is Ga’Quincy. Alabama native and five-star recruit who appeared in every game as a freshman, starting six times (including the last four contests of the year) and allowing 14/27 passing (51.9%) for 243 yards, one touchdown, one interception and one breakup in coverage. Took over a full-time starting role the following year, being targeted for 37/80 (46.3%), 352 yards, one touchdown, one interception and 16 breakups in coverage. Didn’t make quite as many plays on the ball this year but still had a strong showing of 19/39 (48.7%), 205 yards, one touchdown and four breakups.
Positives:
Tall corner who has over two years of starting experience for perhaps the best-coached team in college football. Patient, disciplined corner who plays a lot of shuffle coverage, whether in man or zone; also saw him in some press looks. Good balance and footwork to match releases at the line of scrimmage. Does a nice job of using his length to pin opponents to the sideline when defending against outside releases, leaving very little room for the quarterback to throw to. Uses his hands well to stay connected. The consistency with which he’s able to read routes and put himself in a position to make plays is probably his most impressive trait. Does a nice job of defending fades and back-shoulder throws.
Gets his head around to locate early and has the length and technique to make plays on the ball and break up attempts. Shows some anticipatory skills to undercut in-breaking routes. Shows good diagnostic skills to process combinations from zone. Closing burst/recovery speed is better than anticipated, and above-average overall. Physical, reliable wrap-up tackler to limit yards after the catch. Attacks screens with aggression. Made it through 2023 without being penalized, and wasn’t especially penalty-prone in prior years either.
Negatives:
Didn’t do a lot of backpedaling this past season, and was virtually always on the right side of the defense, so there are some things about his footwork we haven’t seen as much of. A smooth and polished mover, but not one of the most explosive or twitchy cornerbacks in recent memory. Could potentially struggle to stick with burners or very quick receivers at the next level. Has just two career interceptions and struggled to bring in some potential picks this past season.
Summary:
A very polished, pro-ready cornerback in all aspects of the game, his technique, route-recognition skills, discipline and awareness are arguably all elite-level traits. Those should allow him to step into a starting lineup early in his career, providing consistent play, whether in press or shuffle techniques and in either man or zone coverage. Will almost certainly be among the first few cornerbacks off the board, likely in the first round.
Projection: Round 1
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