Vikings 2024 NFL draft scouting report: Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry

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This series will be your guide to the 2024 draft class. From scouting reports to mock drafts and exploring different scenarios, we will be covering the NFL draft and the future of the Minnesota Vikings from all angles.

The focus of the draft class in this space will be on the Vikings’ major needs at quarterback, running back, defensive line and edge rusher. We will also focus on wide receiver since it’s a loaded class and an increased chance to get a Stefon Diggs-type steal in the later rounds.

The Vikings are slated to have 9 picks going into the NFL draft and they need to make the most out of them.

Background

Kool-Aid McKinstry

• Alabama

• Height-6010

• Weight-180 lbs

• Third-year junior

• 5-Star recruit per 247 Sports

• Stats: 93 tackles, 62 solo, 5.0 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, 23 passes defended, 2 interceptions

• Games watched: Texas 2023, Ole Miss 2023, LSU 2023, Georgia

Strengths

Cornerbacks are not ones that get super physical in the running game but McKinstry definitely is one of them. When he sees screens and runs happen in front of him, he atacks it and chases down.

Stays in-phase well in press coverage. Doesn’t panic or get overly grabby during the route.

Has incredible start and stop ability. Can stop on a dime and stay with comeback routes easily.

Weaknesses

McKinstry is a good athlete but he struggles with long speed. He lets receivers get on top of him and they blow by him.

Displays stiff hips when making turns, allowing receivers to pass and stack him.

Opens his hiups up early too often, leaving him susceptable to inside moves. With his limited top-end speed, it can be a major hindrance.

Overview

McKinstry is another really talented cornerback that comes from Alabama. He isn’t quite the athlete that his teammate Terrion Arnold is, but the technical prowess that he possesses will help mask his deficiencies with long speed.

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Story originally appeared on Vikings Wire