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Kool Aid McKinstry is widely considered one of the top defenders in the upcoming NFL Draft. The Crimson Tide standout is projected by most to be a Day 1 pick this April.
He might’ve boost his stock even higher at his Alabama Pro Day thanks to an impressive showing of both athleticism and determination.
McKinstry took part in drills despite his nursing a foot injury. A Jones fracture, to be exact.
Jones fractures occur when “you break your fifth metatarsal — the bone that joins your pinkie toe to the base of your foot. You’ll probably need surgery to repair your bone. It’ll take three to four months to heal.”
McKinstry wasn’t letting it stop him from running around on the field in his final football moment at Alabama.
Instead of sitting on the sidelines with that first-round draft status in hand, he showed grit. That drive might’ve just landed the cornerback a few extra bucks!
Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry probably made himself some money here at pro day, running a 40 that scouts clocked as low as 4.47 — despite a Jones fracture that doctors discovered at the combine. He’ll have surgery Friday and is expected to be full go for camp. pic.twitter.com/mee0fEihE3
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 20, 2024
McKinstry ran a 4.47 40-yard dash on that injured foot. He was flying!
It was the first time pro teams got to see him run this offseason as that Jones fracture was discovered while at the NFL Combine. It held him out once, but he didn’t let it beat him again.
Here’s another angle of the impressive sprint.
Draft stock 📈📈📈
We see you @GaQMcK1 👌 pic.twitter.com/nBjWtz6WGh
— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) March 20, 2024
The corner is considered the fourth-best player at his position by CBS Sports, and the 25th-rated player overall.
Most seen him landing in the 20-30 range, going to a DB-needy team late in that first round. Teams might like him even more after his Pro Day performance at Alabama.
Now that training is through, Kool Aid McKinstry is expected to get surgery to repair that fracture. He should be ready to roll come September given that 3-4 month recovery timeline.