Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry plans to enter 2024 NFL Draft

Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry has made a decision on the 2024 NFL Draft. He has officially decided to take his talents to the NFL, per ESPN’s Chris Low.

During the 2023 season, McKinstry boasted 32 total tackles this season and seven passes defended. For his efforts this season, McKinstry was selected as a semifinalist for the Jim Thorpe Award, presented each year to the nation’s top defensive back.

Additionally, the star defender was also named a semifinalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy, earned midseason All-America honors at corner from CBS Sports and USA Today while being named to the Associated Press’ first team. 

Kool-Aid McKinstry played high school football at Pinson Valley (AL), where he was a five-star prospect. He was the No. 17 overall recruit in the 2021 cycle, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.

For Kool-Aid McKinstry, he’s always been expected to do tremendous things. That’s what he’s done throughout his time at Alabama, and he’ll continue to stay on his game into the future, improving each and year season.

More on the 2024 NFL Draft

The 2024 NFL Draft will be held in Detroit, Michigan, with the first round on Thursday, April 25, the second and third rounds on Friday, April 26, and the fourth through seventh rounds on Saturday, April 27.

Players will have the opportunity to solidify their draft stock at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine, to be held in Indianapolis, Indiana from February 26 through March 4.

The three-day event will be broadcasted throughout the weekend on ESPN and NFL Network.

To be eligible for the NFL Draft, players must be at least three years removed from their final year of high school while having used up their collegiate eligibility. Underclassmen are able to request league approval to become eligible for the draft, as are players who have graduated prior to using up all of their collegiate eligibility.

Last season, 69 players were granted special eligibility for the 2023 NFL Draft. 13 underclassmen who had completed their college degrees were also deemed eligible to be selected.

The deadline to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft is on January 15. NFL teams will receive a full list of eligible players in the class on January 19.