Mutual Interest Between Texans and Alabama Star Kool-Aid McKinstry?

The Houston Texans are one of several teams that have met with Alabama's Kool-Aid McKinstry, who could be a realistic option at pick No. 23 during the 2024 NFL Draft.

INDIANAPOLIS -- It took one minute for Ga'Quincy McKinstry's grandmother to give him the nickname "Kool-Aid." And at the Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza in Detroit, Kool-Aid McKinstry will be the name Commissioner Roger Goodell will use during the 2024 NFL Draft.

The Houston Texans will enter the draft with the No. 23 pick. And given coach DeMeco Ryans' defensive mindset, McKinstry could be a realistic option for Houston.

"When I came out of my mom, she said I was smiling," McKinstry said. "She said I had that Kool-Aid smile. That's when I started going by the name Kool-Aid."

McKinstry is one of the top defensive players entering the draft and arguably the best at his position. He is a 6-foot-1 cornerback from Alabama who believes he can fit into any system. 

He has had various meetings at the NFL Combine. Thursday afternoon, McKinstry revealed that his meeting with the Texans "went very good."

Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry (1) reacts after defeating the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium / Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

"It was the same type of meeting where teams wanted to know my background and we went over some football," McKinstry said. "Being from Birmingham, things are naturally rough. That is what all the teams have asked me about and try to get at. I let all the teams know that's what motivates me. I am from a rough area and trying to give kids a different way to look at life while trying to be a motivation to them."

Perhaps no team needs to get acquainted with McKinstry's on-field attributes. During his three years at Alabama, McKinstry played in 42 games, recording 93 tackles, 23 passes defended, 2.0 sacks and two interceptions.

McKinstry described himself as a versatile cornerback who can play outside and in the slot — a necessity needed to play under former head coach Nick Saban. McKinstry doesn't believe in modeling his game after anyone. However, he has spent the previous three years studying Denver Broncos' Patrick Surtain II.

They have a neutral relationship. McKinstry believes he and Surtain have similar traits as former Crimson Tide prospects. But despite the similarities to the All-Pro defensive back, improving his consistency and physical attributes will be McKinstry's top priorities entering the league.

"Just being physical whether I am playing in or out," McKinstry said. "Understanding your assignment. In the inside, one play, you are like a linebacker, where you have to set the edge, be physical and shoot out of the gaps. The next play, you are in coverage like a corner. 

The Texans could be in need of a cornerback following free agency. The emergence of Derek Stingley Jr. has made Steven Nelson expendable. General manager Nick Caserio has appreciated Nelson's contributions over the previous two seasons. However, he remains non-committal about his future.

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Caserio vows that the Texans will have someone out there playing opposite of Stingley, whether finding his partner through the draft or free agency.

McKinstry will not participate in any workouts at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis. According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, a medical evaluation discovered a Jones fracture in McKinstry's right foot. However, he should be 100 percent before training camp. 

A football injury isn't an ideal situation for any prospect. But despite the unfortunate news, McKinstry is focused on showcasing his skills at Alabama's Pro Day on March 20, hoping to flash his Kool-Aid smile on draft night.

"Whichever team drafts me, I'll be blessed," McKinstry said. "My emotions are very high; I am very happy. But I understand that this is not the end. I am very blessed to be here.