With 2024 NFL Draft prospects attending the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry has discovered a concerning injury that will keep him from showing off his athleticism in front of all 32 teams.
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NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport revealed via X that doctors meeting with McKinstry discovered a Jones fracture in the Alabama prospect's right foot.
During an NFL Combine medical evaluation, doctors found that #Bama All-American CB Kool-Aid McKinstry has a Jones fracture in his right foot, sources say. McKinstry won’t work out in Indy, but will do so at his Pro Day, then get it fixed. He should be 100% before training camp. pic.twitter.com/EaQaqMCgFC
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 1, 2024
McKinstry won't be working out in front of scouts at the Combine, but is planning on doing a workout in front of scouts that plan to attend Alabama's Pro Day. Once that's done, the Alabama star cornerback will address the Jones fracture to make sure that he's fully ready to go for his first NFL training camp.
In a crowded cornerback class, McKinstry's Jones fracture could play a factor in where he's taken, even if it appears to be something minor that will be fixed by the time the 2024 season rolls around. His competition to be a first-round pick at the position includes fellow Alabama teammate Terrion Arnold, Clemson's Nate Wiggins, Cooper DeJean out of Iowa, and even Toledo corner Quinyon Mitchell.
A former 5-star recruit and the No. 1 cornerback in the 2021 recruiting class, McKinstry committed to Alabama as an in-state prospect and had an immediate impact for Nick Saban's program. After earning an SEC All-Freshman selection in his first year, McKinstry leaves the Crimson Tide as a two-time first-team All-SEC selection along with a 2023 First-Team All-American nod.
At 6'1" and 195 pounds, McKinstry has excellent length and movement skills that make him a legitimate outside cornerback prospect at the NFL level. His instincts and downhill explosiveness allow him to generate some highlight tackles, and his skill set will have NFL teams interested in bringing him in.
Alabama fans rooting for McKinstry hope that this Jones fracture is just a small bump in the road for his future NFL career.
