Kool-Aid McKinstry

Kool-Aid McKinstry (S) – Alabama / Junior

5’11-1/2”, 199 Lbs. (Combine)

2023 Stats: 14  Games, 24 Solo, 32 Total Tackles, 2 TFL, 0 TD

Reference: {https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/kool-aid-mckinstry-1.html}

Awards: 

Measurables (Combine):

RAS: (Available post-combine/pro day)

Games Watched: 2023 vs Texas, 2023 vs LSU

PRO’S

With over 2,000 career snaps at Alabama, Kool-Aid has developed phenomenal technique. He often plays at the line, and has pressed many top college receivers. Kool-Aid gets low in his stance, and will mirror the entire route. He has longer arms which lets him throw receivers off their route pattern. His footwork is fantastic, Kool-Aid has the best man footwork in the class. He backpedals with the receiver and can flip at any route break. Kool-Aid is extremely technical and detailed, it’s clear he’s received top level coaching at Alabama. In zone coverage, Kool-Aid reacts quickly to passes and rallies to the pass catchers. He has sharp instincts and plays his spots.

CON’S

Even as a talented man corner, Kool-Aid can hesitate to turn out of his stance. It allows the receiver to get a second ahead on the route and break quickly for a catch. This was best evident against Texas, where AD Mitchell beat Kool-Aid on a slant in the red zone for an  easy touchdown. Kool-Aid hesitated for an instance and fell behind on their route completely. Kool-Aid’s biggest issues stem from athletic traits. He’s not a poor athlete, but lacks the twitch of most high end corner prospects. His long speed and burst out of stance is average. He’ll be expected to cover the top NFL receivers in man, and he may lack the long speed and twitch to do so. He also struggles to tackle bigger receivers and tight ends. His play strength in contact isn’t great. Especially again Texas, Kool-Aid struggled to tackle TE J’Tavion Sanders a few different times. 

OVERALL 

Kool-Aid’s refined man technique lends him a high floor as a man defender. He’ll be best used in a press man scheme. His floor is secure, and the real question is his athletic ceiling. Kool-Aid’s combine will better answer whether he has the twitch to guard the athletic WR1’s. He’ll be able to stick to most WR2’s as a rookie and should be an instant starter. Kool-aid has potential to be a true island man corner. He lacks the athleticism to be among the elite island corner, but can play at pro bowl level.

Completed by: Mr. Irrelevant (@Mr1rrelevant), 01/06/24

Reviewed and edited: J. Clark, 01/06/24

Updated 03/03/24