Another First Round Mock Has Buccaneers Taking Alabama Cornerback

To some, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers created a hole they didn't need to when they traded cornerback Carlton Davis III to the Detroit Lions this offseason.

For others, including Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht, the team already had a hole there because the talented corner was also often not available, missing at least four games in each of the last three years and two or more every season since he arrived to the NFL.

So while Tampa Bay goes out in search of new players to add to the roster in two weeks time via the NFL Draft, it may be looking for a corner who can play the team's brand of defense and do it while staying on the field more consistently.

Someone they may target in the first round to do that is Alabama Crimson Tide cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry, who played in no fewer than 13 games in each of his three seasons with the program.

Dec 2, 2023; Atlanta, GA, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry (1). | Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

"The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a better, deeper roster than given credit for, so the trade of Carlton Davis opened a notable hole," says 33rd Team's Ian Valentino in his latest mock. "Seeing Kool-Aid McKinstry drop this offseason isn't shocking because he's not the best athlete at the position, but he's a reliable technician who will be effective right away. Given the NFC South's status, Tampa Bay should be thrilled to add an immediate impact starter."

The pick would give coach Todd Bowles Jamel Dean, McKinstry and third-year cornerback Zyon McCollum as his top three at the position.

Like Valentino says McKinstry's stock has cooled a bit this offseason as the build-up to the draft tends to be cruel to some who had high hopes entering the calendar year.

Some mocks even have the Alabama standout staying on the board until Day 2, coming off of it in the second round.

If the Bucs don't take McKinstry in the first round but are interested in drafting him following his top 30 visit to the organization, then they'll have to move up in Round 2 to do so, at a minimum.

However, if the Buccaneers decide to pass on cornerback on Day 1 and don't want to climb the Day 2 boards to get one they could see prospects like Georgia Bulldogs prospect Kamari Lassiter, Iowa State's T.J. Tampa or Florida State's Jarrian Jones available according to Chad Reuter's latest multi-round projection.

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