McKinstry was a three-year starter for Alabama. Starting as a true freshman in that program is rare. McKinstry possesses the necessary physical tools, as well as intelligence and discipline.
He allowed 19 receptions on 39 targets this season for 205 yards and one touchdown. He’s incredibly slick in coverage and excels at both zone and man coverage. He isn’t a particularly aggressive tackler in the run game, but he’ll quickly realize that it’s something he needs to work on at the NFL level.
Some draft evaluators questioned his long speed, which he countered by running in the mid-4.4s in the 40 during Alabama’s pro day last week. He ran that time despite having a Jones fracture in his foot, which was surgically fixed last Friday during Alabama’s pro day. He is anticipated to fully recuperate and be ready for training camp. He also had some punt return talent in college, averaging 11.9 yards per return on 35 tries over the last two seasons.
The Lions traded for veteran cornerback Carlton Davis III, signed veteran Amik Robertson in free agency, and re-signed Emmanuel Moseley this offseason, but the release of Cam Sutton calls Detroit’s cornerback depth into question. It appears reasonable that Lions general manager Brad Holmes could improve the position with one of his first three picks in the NFL Draft.
Key observations: McKinstry was selected as a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, presented each year to the nation’s top defensive back, and was also named a semifinalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy, which honors college football’s best in character and performance.
What they had to say about him: “After starting for Nick Saban as a freshman and leading the SEC in passes defended as a sophomore, McKinstry’s production fell by half in 2023 – but so did his targets (from 80 in 2022 to 39). Although he lacks sudden twitch in his movements, he plays with a confident and controlled demeanor.
“Malik Nabers supposedly has been telling NFL scouts that McKinstry was the best cornerback he faced in college. McKinstry raises the degree of difficulty for completions with his length and ability to play through the hands of receivers. His game is reminiscent of James Bradberry’s.” – Dane Brugler, The Athletic
