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While DeJean is a notable player, B/R’s NFL Scouting Department is actually higher on McKinstry.
It ranked him as the 15th-best overall player and third-best cornerback on its big board. It also listed him as the most versatile player among the cornerbacks, although both DeJean and McKinstry made plays as punt returners in college in addition to their work in the secondary.
So who might take a chance on the Alabama product in the second round?
The Houston Texans have a star at cornerback in Derek Stingley Jr., but there are question marks in the depth department. Jeff Okudah, who has dealt with health concerns at times in his career, could be the second starter, but a high-ceiling rookie like McKinstry would likely challenge for that role.
And while Houston doesn’t have to worry about facing its own star quarterback in the division, it still has to deal with the likes of Lawrence and Anthony Richardson.
Like the Texans, the Denver Broncos have a star at one cornerback spot and some uncertainty elsewhere on the position’s depth chart. Pat Surtain II is among the best in the league, but it was clear they needed more playmakers at the position coming into the draft.
While Denver doesn’t have a second-round pick, it may see an opportunity to land a first-round talent in McKinstry and trade up.
The Broncos aren’t the only team in the AFC West that could use a cornerback, as Gavino Borquez of USA Today’s Chargers Wire noted the Los Angeles Chargers “need a starting nickel and depth on the outside.”
McKinstry’s versatility that B/R’s Scouting Department highlighted would work well for new coach Jim Harbaugh in that situation, as he could theoretically play all over the field.
