Packers GM Brian Gutekunst Sees Alabama’s Kool-Aid McKinstry Run Fast 40
GREEN BAY, Wis. – Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst didn’t go to the Alabama pro day just to see Kool-Aid McKinstry. After all, the Crimson Tide might have four first-round picks in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Nonetheless, McKinstry’s performance included the most noteworthy 4.47 seconds of the day.
The standout cornerback didn’t test at the Scouting Combine after his physical revealed a Jones fracture in his left foot. On Wednesday, he ran his 40-yard dash in 4.47 seconds, helping answer a key question about his speed. On Friday, he’ll have surgery to deal with his foot.
“It was very important for me to come out here and compete today, just to give my all and show what I got. That's what this is for,” McKinstry said. “I know it was tough for me, the news (of my foot); I found out at the Combine. I was still able to show what I got and I feel good about it.”
McKinstry said he should be ready for the start of rookie camp.
The first round of the NFL Draft will be held on Thursday, April 25 – five weeks and one day from now.
McKinstry started every game despite the injury. In fact, he said he had no idea when it happened.
“It was just very weird to me because I honestly did not feel any pain in my foot,” McKinstry said. “For me to able to find out that I had the fracture, there’s no telling how long it’s been there, how long I’ve been playing on it. It just was a step, it was a stone there.
“Something I just to step over and continue in my life. God has a plan for me, and I’m following that plan day in and day out. Whatever he pushes my way, I’m ready to handle it.”
Viewed as a fringe first-round pick, the 40-yard time could tip the scales in his favor.
“It means a lot,” he said. “Just being here my first two years of college, seeing so many people here just to watch the guys, for me to finally be one of those guys, it means a lot to me, very special.”
McKinstry was picked to the SEC all-freshman team in 2021 before starting every game in 2022 and 2023. He earned some first- and second-team All-American honors in 2022, when he had one interception and 15 passes defensed. He earned more first- and second-team All-American honors in 2023. While he had zero interceptions and only seven passes defensed, Pro Football Focus charged him with just 19-of-39 passing.
Moreover, he averaged 11.9 yards per punt return during his final two seasons.
“I just feel like I can do it all, whether that’s playing corner, playing in the slot,” McKinstry said. “I can move very well. I’ve got enough speed to guard whoever. Just me and my mentality, how consistent I am as an athlete, how consistent I am in my day-to-day life, it’s just different.”
