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Alabama’s Kool-Aid McKinstry cements himself as first-round pick at Pro Day

Originally posted on Touchdown Alabama Magazine
By Stephen M. Smith | Last updated Mar 20, 2024 6:47 PM ET

A Jones fracture in his right foot kept him from competing at the NFL Scouting Combine, but he secured first-round money in his bag at Alabama’s Pro Day.

Ga’Quincy “Kool-Aid” McKinstry, a former five-star in the 2021 signing class, showed National Football League personnel he’s arguably one of if not the best cornerback in this year’s NFL Draft class. The Birmingham (Ala.) native checked all boxes in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump, broad jump, and on-field workouts. McKinstry flew through the 40-yard dash, recording a time of 4.46 seconds. He turned in a 34.5″ vertical, 10’1″ broad jump, and looked very explosive in on-field drills with defensive backs.

Kool-Aid McKinstry was not playing with the 40-yard dash.

Dude was flying through it.@TDAlabamaMag pic.twitter.com/Z9yky1KbEc

— Stephen M. Smith (@CoachingMSmith) March 20, 2024

McKinstry has a few meetings set up with NFL teams, but he showed he is one of four Crimson Tide alums that should go in the first round of the draft. He helped the Tide to two Southeastern Conference Championships (2021, 2023) and became a first-team All-American last season. McKinstry finished his Alabama career with 23 pass breakups, including a career-high 15 in 2022.

He had two career interceptions in his tenure with the Tide.

McKinstry has an opportunity to be an incredible player in the pros, especially if he goes to the right system.

This article first appeared on Touchdown Alabama Magazine and was syndicated with permission.

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