Alabama Crimson Tide star cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry has declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, according to ESPN’s Chris Low.
Fellow cornerback Terrion Arnold also made the same decision while linebacker Deontae Lawson and defensive back Malachi Moore have told coaches they plan on returning.
This shouldn’t come as a surprise as it relates to McKinstry. The junior is seen as the top cornerback prospect in the draft. There was nothing left for him to accomplish at the collegiate level.
- Kool-Aid McKinstry college stats: 93 tackles, 23 passes defended, 2 INT
A First-Team All-American this past season, McKinstry will certainly go within the top-20 picks of the annual event this coming April. The 6-foot-1, 195-pound cornerback is said to have great ability in press coverage, a willingness to get physical and tremendous ball-tracking skills. His technique on the outside is also considered above-average.
In today’s pass-first NFL, teams are going to be salivating over the idea of adding him to the mix. Here, we look at three ideal landing spots in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Related: Updated NFL defense rankings
Los Angeles Chargers surprise by drafting Kool-Aid McKinstry
Most Chargers mock drafts have them going with a skill-position talent for franchise quarterback Justin Herbert. A lot of that will depend on who replaces recently-fired general manager Tom Telesco. What we do know is that Los Angeles has a ton of needs in the defensive secondary, especially at the cornerback position.
Opposing quarterbacks have completed 66% of their passes for 4,426 yards with 26 touchdowns and just eight interceptions against this unit during the 2023 season. Outside of Asante Samuel Jr., there has not been a lot to like here. In fact, Michael Davis is yielding a 66% completion and 120.5 QB rating when targeted. Ouch!
Currently slated to pick sixth overall in the draft, this might be a reach for the Los Angeles Chargers. But it’s certainly also a major need in Southern California.
Related: Sportsnaut’s 2024 NFL mock draft
Las Vegas Raiders go against the grain in 2024 NFL Draft
Much like Los Angeles, the Raiders are expected to target the offensive side of the ball in this year’s draft. Most people believe that it will be the quarterback position. Again, it really will depend on who is the Raiders’ full-time general manager making that decision after the in-season firing of Dave Ziegler.
Regardless, we see a need at cornerback for Vegas. Jack Jones has been a darn good surprise since being picked up off waivers from the New England Patriots. Amik Robertson (59% completion, 86.2 QB rating allowed) has also been good. But he seems to be better positioned to succeed in the slot with Nate Hobbs (70.5% completion, 97.6 QB rating) struggling.
A Raiders defense that has performed at a high clip under Patrick Graham would be just that much better if it added a potential shutdown cornerback. Add in the presences of safeties Tre’von Moehrig and Marcus Epps, and that’s magnified further. It’s needed with Justin Herbert and Patrick Mahomes in the AFC West.
Minnesota Vikings use 1st-round pick on Kool-Aid McKinstry
Opposing quarterbacks have completed a whopping 70% of their passes against the Minnesota Vikings this season. We’re just not buying 2022 fourth-round pick Akayleb Evans as a long-term solution at corner. The Missouri product is yielding a 68% completion and 110.4 QB rating as a sophomore.
It’s also important to note that veteran Byron Murphy is playing under a two-year contract and will be demanding a huge raise after his contract year given his stellar recent play.
Assuming the Vikings retain Kirk Cousins, kicking the quarterback situation down the road makes sense. Running back is a reach in Round 1. Minnesota has the offensive line and skill positions to dominate on that side of the ball. McKinstry would just make too much sense here.