A unique first name, an ideal physical profile and a pedigree that precedes it… Kool-Aid McKinstry presents solid foundations to continue his almost perfect career in the NFL.
Kool-Aid McKinstry – Cornerback – 21 years old – Junior – Alabama
Height: 1.85 m
Weight: 88 kg
Stats 2023: 14 matches, 32 tackles, 7 passes defended
Estimated draft position: 15-30
NFL comparison: Marlon Humphrey (a little slower)
Ga'Quincy McKinstry would already have had the coolest first name in this vintage. The fact that his grandmother gave him the brand of a (too sweet) drink iconic in American culture as a nickname immediately places him alongside Sauce Gardner, at the forefront of the coolest nicknames in the league.
But Kool-Aid doesn't stand out just because of its pseudonym. Like many Alabama players, Kool-Aid McKinstry's trajectory to the professional world has been evident since his high school days, where he earned accolades as Alabama's top player and the nation's top defender his senior season. Author of an exceptional 2022 season – his first as a starter –, he saw his statistical production drop as his reputation grew. Characteristic of the best cornerbacks.
The strengths of Kool-Aid McKinstry
- Physical
- Football IQ
- Versatility
McKinstry's measurements are enough to make all defensive coaches fantasize. Wherever they are today, Pete Carroll and Bill Belichick have certainly had lewd thoughts about him. Not only does he have a rare stature for the position, but Kool-Aid McKinstry displays an absolutely ideal weight/power ratio. And this translates into his game with a quite remarkable physical dimension.
#Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry
Diagnose the WR Screen. Play downhill with urgency. Deliver a big hit. pic.twitter.com/ssGdTZsvrq
— Kendell Hollowell (@KHollowell_) March 28, 2024
Whether on the line of scrimmage to impose his will on receivers, in the air at the receiving spots or at the tackle in the ground game, Kool-Aid McKinstry displays an authoritarian and intimidating attitude towards his opponents. If that wasn't enough, his game intelligence is also astonishing. He manages to anticipate the routes and interfere in the passing lines with disconcerting regularity. Even when he is misplaced, he manages to catch up to disrupt the reception of the pass.
His physical qualities and football IQ make him a player who knows how to adapt to any playing system, whether in individual coverage, where he is most comfortable, or in zone.
The weak points of Kool-Aid McKinstry
- Too aggressive
- Fluidity
- Tracking the ball with your back to the game
McKinstry is a physical player who is in constant flirtation with the penalty red line. There is a fine line between embarrassment and fault in the use of his hands and the NFL referees will be happy to remind him, if he does not quickly become aware of it.
Despite his dream measurements for a cornerback, Kool-Aid McKinstry displays some athletic limitations compared to the other four best cornerbacks in the class. His lack of top speed will put him in difficulty on deep passes and against faster receivers.
The fluidity of his hips and his backwards play require a little refinement to really shine in the zone, in the NFL. Especially since when he is not facing the game, he tends to lose sight of the ball, which makes him all the more vulnerable in the event of poor positioning at the start of the game.
Possible destinations
Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Arizona Cardinals, Buffalo Bills.
In a lower class at the position, Kool-Aid McKinstry could undoubtedly have hoped to be the first cornerback selected. Its strengths are obvious and give it a higher floor than average. His flaws, on the other hand, limit the height of his potential compared to Quinyon Mitchell, Terrion Arnold, even Nate Wiggins.
Like Cooper DeJean, Kool-Aid McKinstry will have to wait until halfway through the first round, at the earliest for him to hear his name come out of Roger Goodell's mouth. The good news is that starting with the 15th pick, the Colts' possession, teams lacking cornerbacks are legion. For the Jaguars, Buccaneers, Cardinals and Bills, passing on a player who everything indicates will be, at minimum, a solid starter at the highest level, will be difficult.
