Kool-Aid McKinstry CB Alabama: Scouting Report

Height: 6’1

Weight: 195

Overall

Ga’Quincy “Kool-Aid” McKinstry is an athletic boundary corner in Alabama’s 4-3 defense. In his 3 seasons with the Crimson Tide, he played in 42 games, starting 41 of them. While he did not have a lot of production in terms of takeaways throughout his career, he made many big pass breakups on film and was a key piece in Alabama’s dominant defense.

Pass Game

McKinstry did it all on film. He lined up in zone, man, and press man and was successful in each phase on film. In zone coverage he showed good vision in keeping his view on the quarterback and he made quick breaks out of his backpedal allowing him to make plays on underneath routes. He also showed the speed to cover deep down the field along with the ball skills to shut down any deep throws that came his way. In man coverage he played primarily in press on film and showed excellent footwork and technique to mirror his man at the line of scrimmage. He is very fluid and can easily flip his hips without losing his speed. His quick feet and balance allows him to stay close to his man and make good breaks on the ball on digs and out-breaking routes. He has excellent recovery speed making it very difficult to get past him deep down the field but at times he relies on his speed too much and will allow receivers to gain multiple steps on him rather than staying in their hip pocket in phase. At times, he gets too grabby at the top of routes but that should be easy to clean up at the next level.

Run Game

In the run game, McKinstry shows the ability to make big plays when coming down hill and tackling near the line of scrimmage but he struggles making tackles from the second level. When he is one on one in open space, especially against running backs, he looks passive and struggles bringing them down. His thin frame also makes it difficult for him to get off blocks on screens and outside runs. He shows flashes of being a factor against the run but he needs to be more consistent before he can be dependable in the NFL.

Last Word

McKinstry is an elite athlete with the length and technique to excel in coverage in the NFL. He projects best as a boundary corner where he can match up one on one as well as cover deep in cover 3. He was also used as a punt returner in college and had some success. His issues in the run game are a concern but his coverage skills and recovery speed will make him an immediate impact player to begin his career.

One-Liner: Kool-Aid McKinstry has some flaws against the run, but his length, speed, and coverage skills will allow him to grow into a dominant boundary corner in the NFL.

Grade: 6.9 (Solid Starter on All 3 Downs)

Games Watched: 2023 - Georgia, Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee

Team Fits: Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos, Jacksonville Jaguars