Broncos Select Dynamic Defender in Draft Expert's First 2024 Mock

The Denver Broncos would fill a major roster hole by drafting Kool-Aid McKinstry.

The 2024 NFL draft is still months away, but mock draft season officially opened with the release of The Athletic’s Dane Brugler’s first mock draft of the year. Known for his work creating 'The Beast' every year, an informational draft behemoth that contained 399 scouting reports, 1,700 prospects, and 300,000 words in last year’s version, there are few in the NFL media that do as complete and comprehensive of a job covering the draft than Brugler. 

When a Brugler mock is published, it's wise for anyone who cares bout the draft to pay attention. There are a multitude of directions the Denver Broncos could go with their first-round pick in the 2024 draft. 

In the wake of their 42-17 loss to the Detroit Lions, it's difficult to predict exactly where the Broncos ultimately land in the draft, and it's no easier deducing which prospects GM George Paton will be interested in.

In Brugler's debut mock of 2024, he has the Broncos selecting a player from the same position and school as their last first-round pick: cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry out of Alabama.

Three years ago, Patrick Surtain II fell into the Broncos’ laps and since has grown to be one of the top corners in the league. McKinstry took over Surtain’s starting role in Tuscaloosa, and three years later, a talented Alabama corner might once again fall to Denver in the first round.

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Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry (1) celebrates after a missed field goal by LSU at Bryant-Denny Stadium / Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

McKinstry's Tools & Traits

The Broncos could certainly go back to the 'Bama defensive back well after such incredible results the last time Denver went there, selecting an All-Pro in Surtain. McKinstry isn't viewed as the top-10 prospect Surtain was coming out in 2021, but his profile makes him a well-known commodity.

Committing to Alabama as the No. 1 overall cornerback recruit in the country in 2021 and 247Sports' No. 18 overall recruit nationwide, McKinstry’s hype went beyond just having a fun name. By the way, he was given the nickname by his grandmother when he was born due to his big smile, similar to the Kool-Aid Man.

Listed at 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, McKinstry profiles as a prototype boundary corner in the NFL. His size and length afford him great press coverage ability, and he can play physically in zone concepts. 

McKinstry's ability to play physically in press coverage and then retreat should have defensive coordinators excited about his upside at the NFL level. He will need to work on his aggression in coverage, as it could result in pass interference calls down the field on Sundays, but he competes for the ball at the catch point.

McKinstry is solid in run support, but his lean frame can get him into trouble from time to time when setting the edge or attempting to disengage from blockers. He won’t confuse anyone for being an imposing big hitter or dominant run support player, but he at least shows an understanding of angles, his assignments, and a willingness to tackle when needed. 

McKinstry doesn’t flash physicality downhill or explosiveness like his Alabama counterpart Terrion Arnold, but he's fine in that department. McKinstry will likely need to continue to add strength, though, at the next level.

McKinstry would be a strong selection for the Broncos if he were the 2024 first-round pick. Nick Saban demands intelligence, work ethic, and discipline from his defensive backs, so a defensive back vetted by the venerated Alabama head coach is about as good of a bet to hit on a prospect as can be. 

McKinstry would also give the Broncos one of the best trio of cornerbacks in the NFL, along with Surtain and 2023 season emerging nickel star Ja’Quan McMillian. The most polarizing position for the Broncos will, of course, be quarterback, given the uncertain future of Russell Wilson, his up-and-down play, and Sean Payton's unknown view of his current quarterback. 

Broncos' Roster Needs

The Broncos have played their way out of USC’s Caleb Williams and UNC’s Drake Maye anyway, so for now, until a decision is made on Wilson, putting the quarterback position aside for a later day seems prudent. The quarterback position is always the exception, however.

Outside of quarterback, where could the Broncos go with what will be the team's first Day 1 draft pick since 2021? Wide receiver, interior defensive line, and edge rusher all seem viable, given the unknown future of a number of players, especially given their respective performance and contracts.

When considering positions of value, how the class is stacking up, and the Broncos' likely needs, a shot at a boundary corner in a division with Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert makes sense. Demarri Mathis has not answered the call when on the field, rookie Riley Moss is still a massive unknown, and Fabian Moreau was always likely a one-year veteran stopgap. 

Bottom Line

Denver's boundary corner position opposite Surtain is a question mark, and a selection of McKinstry would be a strong attempt by the Broncos to find a long-term solution at the position.

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