The NFL Draft is around the corner, and everyone seems to know what the Falcons are going to do, draft a defensive player. Most believe it will be a pass rusher, but a cornerback could be in play as well.
I don’t believe it’s that simple. The Falcons have taken skill positions in the top 10 of the draft for each of the last three years. It’s why they are far more formidable on that side of the ball, but they could still use another receiver to pair with Drake London and Darnell Mooney.
Some even believe quarterback is in play, like Brian Baldinger, who believes the Falcons will take Michael Penix Jr. in the first round. That would be a shocking development after just signing Kirk Cousins to a four-year deal, and one I’m not sure the Falcons’ new quarterback would be fond of.
But the club has surprised us before, and they certainly will again in the future. They’ve sent scouts to hold private workouts with the Washington quarterback and hosted him on a top-30 visit, along with other stars like Dallas Turner, Jared Verse, Quinyon Mitchell, and others. The latest being cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry out of Alabama.
Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry is a busy man: Sources say he has upcoming 30 visits with the #Eagles, #Giants and #Falcons.
A projected 1st-round pick, McKinstry ran 4.47 at his Pro Day ahead of his Jones fracture surgery in his foot — he will be good to go for training camp. pic.twitter.com/1MeD37AZgV
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 11, 2024
Like his Alabama counterpart Dallas Turner, McKinstry is a very good athlete (not as good as Turner or Terrion Arnold, though), who was a five-star recruit out of high school. He was a three-year starter for the Crimson Tide, and ironically, Lance Zierlein’s pro comparison for him is A.J. Terrell. If he turned out to be anything like the Falcons star corner, it would be a slam dunk selection with the 8th overall pick.
I’m not sure McKinstry will be going that high. A lot of mocks having him going in the second round, and that could be what the Falcons are hoping for. With that being said, he’s an ultra talented corner with a high football IQ that started three years at a factory for NFL talent. I imagine someone will take a swing on him at some point in the first round.
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Photographer: Ken Murray/Icon Sportswire
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