NFL Combine medical evaluation reveals Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry has Jones fracture

As Kool-Aid McKinstry turns his attention to the NFL, a hiccup has come up for the former Alabama Crimson Tide star.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the star defensive back has a fracture in his right foot that was found by doctors at the 2024 NFL Combine, and he won’t be able to work out, but he should be good to go for the start of the league’s campaign.

“During an NFL Combine medical evaluation, doctors found that #Bama All-American CB Kool-Aid McKinstry has a Jones fracture in his right foot, sources say. McKinstry won’t work in Indy, but will do so at his Pro Day, then get it fixed,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “He should be 100% before the NFL season.”

Afterwards, On3’s Pete Nakos confirmed the injury, “Alabama All-American cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry has a Jones fracture in his right foot, a source tells @On3sports. He spent most of Thursday getting second opinions from doctors in Indy. @RapSheet first,” he posted on X.

Moreover, McKinstry boasted 32 total tackles this season and seven passes defended during the 2023 college football season, prior to declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft. For his efforts, 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.

We’ll see if the injury has an effect on Kool-Aid McKinstry’s draft stock, and what happens to the Alabama star in the NFL.

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.