The NFL Scouting Combine has been seen as a platform for many players to boost their draft stock ahead of the NFL Draft. However, Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry may have had the opposite effect happen on Friday after an undiagnosed foot injury was discovered at the combine on Friday.
McKinstry is seen by most draft experts to be a clear candidate to potentially be drafted in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. However, that may change due to his recent diagnosis that was found during a medical evaluation.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, McKinstry was discovered to have a Jones fracture in his right foot, which will force him not to participate in the combine. Rapoport did add that he does still plan to work out at his Pro Day later this month.
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 out in Indy, but will do so at his Pro Day, then get it fixed. He should be 100% before training camp. pic.twitter.com/EaQaqMCgFC
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 1, 2024
This injury could obviously limit his abilities during his Pro Day as well, which isn’t a great sign of his draft stock rising at all ahead of the draft. In fact, most fans now believe that this could lead to him potentially slipping into the second round or even further down the draft board.
Considering the strength of this year’s draft class at cornerback, this injury could cause Kool-Aid McKinstry to fall to the second day. https://t.co/1ILuOonDgj
— Anthony DiBona (@DiBonaPFN) March 1, 2024
Sounds like that draft stock slipping🫣 https://t.co/KpnODVGovv pic.twitter.com/1HulscPWay
— ßrundo (@Brundoooo) March 1, 2024
Possible benefit to having medical evaluations here in Indy https://t.co/fwl3bfbWCi
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) March 1, 2024
This is why Medicals are important at the @NFLCombine – many times things are discovered during this time! #NFLCombine2024 https://t.co/IteaoeihgS
— Connie Carberg (@ConnieScouts) March 1, 2024
This is why, NO matter who you are, you should have a medical check up at the combine. https://t.co/YZMyKQ00Fq
— Cannon (MockDrafts_NFL) (@MockDrafts_NFL) March 1, 2024
This discovery actually benefits McKinstry long-term as they can now deal with the injury before it gets even worse. However, it could very well negatively impact his draft stock in terms of where he will potentially end up.
McKinstry played a big role for Alabama over the last three seasons with the program. Any NFL team willing to overlook this injury could be getting the most pro-ready cornerback in the draft class should they select him.
However, this injury discovery is obviously the last thing either he or NFL teams wanted to hear at this point in the draft process. And it will sure be interesting to see how this impacts his draft stock moving forward.
