Pro Football Focus Reveals Alabama Corner As Houston Texans 'Perfect' Second-Round Pick

The Houston Texans don't have a first-round pick in the NFL Draft, but that doesn't mean they won't find a first-round talent on Day 2. Who could they draft?

Nov 4, 2023; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry (1) / Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Texans traded out of the first round to grant themselves flexibility and add an extra dart throw in their attempt to add young talent to the roster.

As it turns out, one of those darts was sent to the Buffalo Bills for star receiver Stefon Diggs – neither cheaper nor younger, but a quality addition nonetheless.

Regardless, Houston won’t be picking on Day 1, meaning it’ll hope to find a Round 1 talent early in the next round.

Nov 4, 2023; Tuscaloosa, Alabama, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry (1) / Gary Cosby Jr.-USA TODAY Sports

According to Pro Football Focus, Alabama Crimson Tide corner Kool-Aid McKinstry is the 'perfect' selection for the Texans with the 42nd pick.

McKinstry has been a popular mock draft target for head coach DeMeco Ryans’ defense, even before the swap. After a foot injury put a dent in his pre-draft process, leading to suboptimal testing numbers, his stock may have fallen a bit, making him a potential Day 2 option on Houston’s board.

The Alabama product has adequate size for the position – standing 5-foot-11 and 199 pounds – and his athleticism is probably a bit better than his 4.47-second 40-yard dash (with a lesser 20-yard split) would suggest. However, even at his best, he isn’t a truly elite athletic profile.

McKinstry’s coverage skills stand out thanks to his hip fluidity and strong footwork. He is not particularly dynamic when it comes to creating turnovers and making plays on the ball, but in terms of staying in the hip pocket and carrying out various coverage schemes, McKinstry is as talented as his early-round counterparts.

Additionally, the Texans still need help on the boundary. Veteran corner Steven Nelson’s departure has been temporarily filled by former first-round picks C.J. Henderson and Jeff Okudah. There’s little doubt the opportunity to add a prospect with equal pedigree and a better chance at success would be welcomed.

Pairing McKinstry with corner Derek Stingley Jr., a standout in his own right, would help complete a secondary that was too prone to explosive plays in 2023. It’s a position of need, a high-value position, and a talent worthy of a second-round selection.

Paired with improvements up front and an offseason of continuity under Ryans and defensive coordinator Matt Burke, a McKinstry selection would be an important step in giving Houston a defense as dangerous as their C.J. Stroud-led passing attack.