Alabama's Kool-Aid McKinstry Fractured Foot; Cowboys Possible Target Won't Work at Combine

The Dallas Cowboys have been projected prospects because of offensive talents leaving in free agency, but what about the potential departure of cornerback Stephon Gilmore?

The Dallas Cowboys are most frequently mocked an offensive lineman in the first round of April’s NFL Draft. Replacing veteran left tackle Tyron Smith or center Tyler Biadasz is a justifiable cause for such a high-priced investment, but there’s no guarantee the 24th pick protects quarterback Dak Prescott.

Dallas is dealing with potential departures at running back, edge rusher, cornerback, and safety as well, marking needs for the first two days of the draft (and, of course, free agency). That doesn’t include receiver, another spot many project the Cowboys to target in Round 1.

In the 33rd Team’s latest mock draft, the board falls favorably and allows Dallas to make a selection that strays away from the typical path.

Nov 11, 2023; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry (1) tackles Kentucky Wildcats running back Demie Sumo-Karngbaye (0) during the third quarter at Kroger Field / Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

At 24, Dallas takes Alabama Crimson Tide cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry. ... but there is now an emerging issue as McKinstry reportedly has a Jones fracture in his foot that will prevent him from working at this week's NFL Scouting Combine.

He's projected to be OK for spring work. Assuming that's so ...

McKinstry is a strong processor with the intangible skills to fill the gap Stephon Gilmore may leave. Even if his athleticism was waning, Gilmore put together a successful year by being a step ahead of receivers – at least between the ears. His game-winning interception against the Los Angeles Chargers was this trait epitomized and helped set the tone for his campaign on the boundary.

“Stephon Gilmore is a free agent, and drafting an intelligent corner to pick up [Mike] Zimmer’s complex scheme quickly will be essential,” Connor Livesay wrote. “Kool-Aid McKinstry was a multi-year starter in Nick Saban’s defense that runs many of the same concepts we have seen from Zimmer over the years.”

Bland’s hypothetical transition back into the slot will be something to keep an eye on, but the upside of Diggs, Bland, and a first-round corner is something to behold. Doing so with the type of pass rush the Cowboys have generated in recent years? Things can get exciting.

On Day 2, Dallas pivots back to the other side of the ball, drafting Washington Huskies receiver Ja’Lynn Polk.

Polk may have been a footnote on a Washington offense that boasts two first-round linemen, a Heisman finalist, and receiver Rome Odunze, but he’s no slouch, either.

He’s a fluid athlete who may not dominate downfield or earn targets like a star receiver but profiles as a legitimate ancillary weapon. After the inconsistencies of receiver Brandin Cooks and the struggles Michael Gallup saw in 2023, adding intrigue to the Cowboys’ weaponry is sensible.

Polk is versatile and can make an impact both at the catch point and after it, generating yards after the catch. Giving superstar target CeeDee Lamb a sidekick could very well be a fruitful use of a second-round selection.

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In the third round, Dallas moves up front, where so many mocks would have already had a lineman taken. Instead, Arkansas interior lineman Beaux Limmer fell to the Cowboys with the 87th pick.

Simply put, this is a plug-and-play replacement for Biadasz.

Limmer is athletic and strong for his size, though at some point a lack of mass may make him a mismatch against certain linemen. As a multi-year starter in the SEC, he has the pedigree and experience that checks the box and profiles as a decent reinforcement up front, even if his ceiling isn’t particularly high.