One of the best cornerback prospects in the 2024 NFL draft is Alabama’s Kool-Aid McKinstry. However, Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report contended that the Pittsburgh Steelers shouldn’t take him into consideration in the first round.
Ballentine bemoaned the fact that the Steelers, with a No. 20 overall pick, needed to target a guy to boost their offense. Thus, he designated McKinstry as the draft prospect that the Steelers “must avoid.”
If the Alabama prospect is still available at No. 20, the Pittsburgh Steelers would be inclined to select him with Joey Porter Jr., according to Ballentine’s analysis.
However, with Porter, Levi Wallace, and Patrick Peterson covering cornerback positions last season, the Steelers finished 10th in passing rating allowed. The offense, on the other hand, was 23rd in EPA per play and 28th in scoring, in part because to a subpar offensive line.
The Steelers should improve their left tackle and center positions. It would be poor resource management to choose McKinstry over someone like Adami Mims or even Jackson Powers-Johnson, considering the caliber of this draft class at both positions.
In the 2023 season, McKinstry was among the best cornerbacks in college football.He was named to several media groups’ first teams All-America, including the Associated Press.
During his time at Alabama, McKinstry totaled 93 tackles, including 5 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, and 23 pass defenses. Plus, he had two sacks.
“Must Avoid” the Steelers Analyst, CB Kool-Aid McKinstry
Ballentine’s main defense of McKinstry’s avoidance by the Steelers isn’t particularly related to him. Rather, he only contended that Pittsburgh ought to concentrate on their offensive at No. 20.
That’s a challenging argument to make given the team’s recent offensive output. Since 2018, the Steelers have not been higher than 23rd in terms of total offense.
Amarius Mims, an offensive tackle, and Jackson Powers-Johnson, a center, were listed by Ballentine as the Steelers’ preferred targets. Troy Fautanu, J.C. Latham, and Graham Barton are three more offensive line prospects who could strengthen Pittsburgh’s offensive line.
The Steelers might switch 2023 first-round pick Brock Jones back to his more natural left tackle position if they were able to choose a starting right tackle at No. 20 overall. Dan Moore Jr., the starting left tackle who is in the last year of his rookie deal, would be benched as a result.
Still, the Steelers would benefit with a superior center. There are currently no centers on Pittsburgh’s 2024 roster.
McKinstry Dealing With Foot Injury
Ballentine did not address the foot injury sustained by McKinstry. However, others would contend that the condition is yet another reason the Steelers ought to pass on the Alabama cornerback.
Doctors at the NFL combine discovered a Jones fracture in McKinstry’s right foot, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. McKinstry didn’t perform well at the combine as a result.
Increased training or pressure on the foot are the usual causes of Jones fractures. The foot’s pinky toe is where the fracture is located.
Ballentine did not address the foot injury sustained by McKinstry. However, others would contend that the condition is yet another reason the Steelers ought to pass on the Alabama cornerback.
Doctors at the NFL combine discovered a Jones fracture in McKinstry’s right foot, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. McKinstry didn’t perform well at the combine as a result.
Increased training or pressure on the foot are the usual causes of Jones fractures. The foot’s pinky toe is where the fracture is located.
