Raiders Draft Prospect: CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Alabama

The Las Vegas Raiders could find their next star cornerback in Alabama's Kool-Aid McKinstry in the 2024 NFL Draft.

The Las Vegas Raiders are looking for young talent in the 2024 NFL Draft.

The Raiders will be operating under a new regime, as Coach Antonio Pierce and General Manager Tom Telesco have takenover. 

Pierce and Telesco will look for talented players who will fit the culture and foundation they want to build.

The Raiders have had good cornerbacks in their franchise history and could be looking for another star at that position. Fortunately for them, several corners in this class could fit that mold for them.

One of those players is Alabama’s Ga’Quincy "Kool-Aid" McKinstry. His grandmother gave him the nickname because of his vibrant smile as a child, reminiscent of the Kool-Aid Man.

McKinstry was a two-time First-Team All-SEC member and a First-Team All-American in 2023. He finished his Crimson Tide career with 93 total tackles, five tackles for losses, two sacks, 23 passes defended and two interceptions.

The Las Vegas Raiders could add Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry in the 2024 NFL Draft / Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

Beyond having the best name in the draft, McKinstry is arguably the top cornerback in the class, rivaled by Iowa’s Cooper DeJean, Clemson’s Nate Wiggins, and his Alabama teammate, Terrion Arnold.

McKinstry is 6-foot-1 and 195 pounds, and he looks the part. On tape, he profiles as a star cornerback at the next level. He is a bit slender in the lower body, but he has good height and arm length, which could bother wide receivers.

Despite being a bit slimmer, McKinstry is not afraid to be physical with bigger receivers. He is also an excellent coverage corner with great ball skills.

The key to being a star cornerback is ball production, and McKinstry does not let many passes be completed his way. Along with 23 career pass breakups, McKinstry was targeted 146 times and allowed only 70 receptions for 800 yards and three touchdowns in his career, according to Pro Football Focus.

While he likes to be physical, his slender frame might be an issue for him at the next level against the NFL’s bigger receivers. He also is a good athlete, but is not very technically refined. His physicality may get him penalized in the NFL as well.

McKinstry might have the highest ceiling best cornerbacks in the NFL Draft. The Raiders could select him at No. 13 overall, and he could elevate their defense even higher.

From February 27 to March 4, 2024, the NFL Scouting Combine will be held at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.

The NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Mich., on April 25-27, 2024. The Las Vegas Raiders currently hold the No. 13 overall pick.

Ensure you follow on X (Twitter) @HondoCarpenter and IG @HondoSr, and never miss another breaking news story again. Sign up RIGHT HERE for our 100% FREE newsletter that comes thrice a week and delivers all our best stories.

Please tell us your thoughts when you like our Facebook Page WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.