Rams Mock Draft: Full 7-rounds eclipses others by filling hidden roster holes

With the 28th overall pick, the LA Rams select

Kool-Aid McKinstry, cornerback out of Alabama. It's mind-blowing to think that the Rams can trade back in Round 1 and still land one of the Top 5 cornerbacks in the 2024 draft class, but such is the abundance of top-tier talent this year. As stated before, by the time the 19th overall pick drops, prospects like DB Quinyon Mitchell, OLB Laiatu Latu, and other presumed targets are already off the board.

But as luck would have it, McKinstry is still on the board, and the Rams are delighted to add him as the first of many rookies to the roster. Is he the best cornerback in this class? Perhaps not, but he is an elite prospect who not only upgrades the roster but can push hard for a starting role in his rookie season.

Standing 6-foot-0 and weighing 199 pounds, McKinstry is an ideal size to compete as an NFL defensive back. Because he has faced some of the best receivers in college football, the front office has a high confidence level that he can flourish in the NFL.

While McKinstry has been overtaken in the upper echelon on many draft boards by DB Terrion Arnold and Quinyon Mitchell, he remains among the top defensive backs because he is still one of the most consistent and effective rookie DBs. The LA Rams know that they have rebuilt the secondary this season, and will need to ensure flexibility and competition to ensure that they have the best group of defensive backs on the football field.

McKinstry elevates the entire secondary with his veteran-level communication, ability to see and process what is happening across the football field, and ability to stay close to the receiver and deny completions with well-timed pass breakups. He is a scrappy cornerback who loves to frustrate quarterbacks and receivers alike.

Best of all, he brings a superb return game with him to the NFL, and should be considered a frontrunner for punt and kick returning duties if selected.