Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry’s early NFL career was derailed when physicians at the NFL combine detected a fracture in his right foot.
However, in his most recent NFL mock draft, The Los Angeles Times’ Sam Farmer predicts the Detroit Lions would select McKinstry at No. 29 overall.
McKinstry was one of a few top cornerbacks linked to the Lions at No. 29 overall in mock selections this offseason. On January 29, Bleacher Report’s NFL scouting staff recommended that the Lions should move up 15 places to choose McKinstry at No. 14 overall.
The impact of McKinstry’s injury on his draft stock, however, remains undetermined.
Although Farmer described McKinstry as “immensely talented,” he also stated that his draft value could plummet following the medical issue at the NFL combine.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, doctors diagnosed him with a Jones fracture, which is characterized by a broken bone on the pinky toe side of the inner foot. Typically, the ailment results from overtraining or increased strain on the foot due to weight growth.
According to Rapoport, McKinstry will work out at Alabama’s pro day on March 20 despite not participating in NFL combine activities. McKinstry will then get his injury fixed. He should be 100% by training camp.
Why the Lions Can Still Target Kool-Aid McKinstry
There are various reasons to believe the Lions will not allow McKinstry to drop below No. 29 overall.
Historically, general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell have not been afraid to target injured prospects. Two years ago, the Lions traded up for wide receiver Jameson Williams, who was recuperating from an ACL tear at the time.
Last season, the Lions selected quarterback Hendon Hooker in the third round. He also had a torn ACL, which would limit his playing time as a rookie.
A Jones fracture is obviously much less severe than a ruptured ACL. McKinstry might still participate in the majority of his team’s offseason exercises.
The Lions also appear to favor Alabama athletes. Detroit has picked Williams, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, and cornerback Brian Branch in the first two rounds in the last two years. All three are from Alabama.
Drafting McKinstry late in the first round may be akin to the Lions selecting Branch at No. 45 overall in 2023.
“Last year, another former Alabama defensive back fell out of the first round because of concerns about his long speed,” writes MLive.com’s Kyle Meinke. “Brian Branch wound up landing with Detroit in Round 2, then went on to become one of the best slot cornerbacks in the league as a rookie.”
Prior to his Jones fracture, McKinstry’s long speed was seen to be one of his main flaws. McKinstry, on the other hand, plans to showcase his speed during Alabama’s pro day.
Is cornerback Detroit’s most pressing need heading into 2024 free agency?
Another reason the Lions may still consider McKinstry is the team’s significant need at cornerback.
Detroit concluded the 2024 season ranked 27th in total passing yards allowed and 29th in net yards allowed per pass attempt. Cornerbacks Kindle Vildor, Jerry Jacobs, and Emmanuel Moseley will be unrestricted free agents.
If McKinstry is the best CB prospect available at No. 29, he will be an obvious draft pick for the Lions.
Holmes must address cornerback during the offseason. The question is whether he intends to make the most significant upgrade at the position via the draft or free agency.
ESPN’s Eric Woodyard speculated on March 1 that the Lions may be silent in NFL free agency. However, on March 3, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler stated that “Detroit is pretty set on adding a high-end corner.”
That, rather than his injuries, could explain why McKinstry goes past the Lions at No. 29. If the Lions can find a “high-end corner” through free agency or a trade, they may have a greater need to fill in the first round of the NFL Draft.
