The expectation around the NFL is that the Raiders will be picking inside the top 10 again in next year’s draft. While the offense is loaded with playmakers, the defense is still a year away from being anywhere close to the league average.
The Raiders did add Tyree Wilson with their top selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, but they desperately need to attack the secondary early next year.
In a recent mock draft by Jordan Reid of ESPN, he had the Raiders selecting the top cornerback in the 2024 NFL Draft. That player is Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, who just so happens to have the best name in all of college football. Here is why Reid believes McKinstry would be a great fit in Las Vegas:
Depending on what happens with Jimmy Garoppolo, the Raiders could be in on one of the quarterbacks in this class. For now, they should focus on adding to the other side of the ball. McKinstry is one of the most talented defensive players in the country and has all of the physical attributes of a CB1.
At 6-foot-1 and 188 pounds, he allowed only 4.0 yards per attempt as the primary defender (tied for ninth best in the country), broke up 14 passes (tied for eighth best) and allowed zero touchdowns last season. He stands out in man coverage, but he’s also a savvy zone defender with the ability to quickly read and react.
It’s not a surprise to see McKinstry mocked to the Raiders inside the top 10 as cornerback is one of the weakest spots on the roster. And McKinstry is widely considered the top defensive back in college football heading into the year. Keep an eye on him at Alabama as he could be a first-round target for the Raiders.
