The 2024 NFL Draft will be stockpiled with cornerbacks capable of landing in the first round. Their value has grown more important than ever as offenses around the league turn to air attacks to shred defenses.
Will Kool-Aid McKinstry be a coveted name? It’s time to dive into the details involving the incoming rookie.
How Tall Is Kool-Aid McKinstry?
NFL teams have grown to love tall cornerbacks who can match up size-wise with an opposing wide receiver. Does this mean he already has the height teams are searching for?
McKinstry stands at 6’1″ — making him one of the taller CB options eligible to be drafted.
He played at that size collegiately, although he grew an inch from his high school years.
While starring for Pinson Valley High School in Alabama, McKinstry played at 6’0″.
How Much Does McKinstry Weigh?
Franchises also love a CB who isn’t on the thin side. Most teams prefer their CBs to surpass the 200-pound mark.
Does McKinstry surpass the ideal mark for weight?
McKinstry checks in as a 195-pounder. However, being under 200 pounds shouldn’t concern teams, as he played in the loaded Southeastern Conference while under 200 — and still went on to become a coveted NFL prospect.
How Old Is McKinstry?
McKinstry will be 21 when he hears his name called in the NFL Draft.
He was born Ga’Quincy McKinstry on Sept. 30, 2002. But while he’ll be a young 21-year-old on draft night, he’ll celebrate his 22nd birthday during the 2024 NFL season.
McKinstry is a native of Birmingham, Ala. The backstory behind how he got “Kool-Aid” as a nickname is that he got it from his grandmother — who said the CB was born smiling like the famed Kool-Aid Man.
What School Did McKinstry Go To?
McKinstry went from “Mr. Alabama” at the high school level to becoming a prized in-state recruit for the University of Alabama.
MORE: Top CBs in the 2024 NFL Draft
Not only was McKinstry the No. 1 CB prospect for his graduating class, but he was the state’s top overall recruit for the 2021 class by 247Sports.
McKinstry didn’t take long to make an immediate impact on the Crimson Tide defense.
Revisiting McKinstry’s College Career
McKinstry pulled off the rare feat of playing in 15 games as a true freshman.
He snatched his first career interception right away — on Sept. 11 against Mercer. From there, McKinstry piled up 26 total tackles, nine solo stops, and produced one sack behind the line of scrimmage.
McKinstry went on to become a starting mainstay for the Tide’s defense. He collected 35 total stops, including 29 solo, and delivered two tackles for a loss in 2022. But he showed the SEC and nation his tremendous ball skills by breaking up 15 passes.
The CB went on to snatch 32 tackles with 24 solo stops and broke up seven passes during his final CFB season. Was that campaign enough to put him in conversations about becoming a surefire first-rounder?
McKinstry’s Potential in the NFL
McKinstry is indeed expected to become one of the first CBs drafted.
However, he’s been given a late first-round value. Among the reasons: His Alabama teammate Terrion Arnold has drawn more praise and has been labeled the more complete CB prospect. Elsewhere, Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell ascended into a strong first-round option — following three stellar seasons for the Rockets followed by strong Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine performances.
McKinstry, though, isn’t far behind both. In PFN’s ranking of the top cornerbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft, he is ranked No. 3.
“We can confirm: It’s safe to drink the Kool-Aid,” PFN’s Ian Cummings said.
Other than taking a liking to his unique nickname, Cummings adds he’s a fan of McKinstry’s length as a defender with 32″ arms. who knows how to use them.
“He has the length to jar receivers and block passes at the catch point,” Cummings said. “McKinstry’s already a footwork technician with the movement speed, agility, and fluidity to mirror receivers at every level of the route. And his physical foundation ultimately sets him apart as a future starter at the NFL level.”
KEEP READING: Ian Cummings’ Full Scouting Report of Kool-Aid McKinstry
Overall, someone is more than likely adding “Kool-Aid” as an ingredient to their defense in the first round.
“McKinstry looks tailor-made to be a CB1 at the NFL level, and even if he’s no longer the consensus CB1, he’s still a slam-dunk first-round pick,” Cummings said.
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