Popular DB once again sent to Ravens in NFL Mock Draft by NFL insider

The Baltimore Ravens can go in many different directions once the 2024 NFL Draft rolls around, with pressing needs at offensive tackle, wide receiver, and defensive end must be addressed. However, cornerback seems to be a very popular flavor among draft prognosticators in recent weeks.

With Marlon Humphrey once again all by his lonesome as the one above-average cover corner on the team, the Ravens will likely try to add another defensive back at some point in the draft. The loss of Geno Stone and Ronald Darby could well and truly be felt without solid depth behind them.

With Iowa's Cooper DeJean, Georgia's Kamari Lasstier, and Clemson's Nate Wiggins among the corners who could hear their names called late in the first round, the latest mock draft from insider Peter Schrager (who has become renowned for the accuracy of his mocks) has yet another Alabama player joining the Ravens.

Baltimore is using their first-round draft choice on Crimson Tide cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry in Schrager's mock draft. McKinstry could instantly be a starter if he lives up to the hype he would bring as a top recruit and SEC star from Nick Saban's last Alabama team.

NFL Mock Draft: Baltimore Ravens selecting Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry

McKinstry's star has lost just a bit of luster lately, as the emergence of Alabama teammate Terriod Arnold as arguably the best cornerback in the draft was a big blow to McKinstry's stock. While he was very good last season, he wasn't the Jim Thorpe Award winner many expected he would be.

However, McKinstry has phenomenal speed, athleticism in the open field, and man coverage skills. On a team like Baltimore that gives their corners a ton of responsibility, players who can fit the archetype provided by McKinstry are worth their weight in gold. With a clean bill of health, McKinstry will be a first-round lock.

Being able to deploy Humphrey, McKinstry, and Brandon Stephens in a base defense will make for a very difficult secondary to crack. With All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton once again freed up to move around the defensive backfield, McKinstry will be a force multiplier that makes the Baltimoe defense as feared as it was last year.

If Eric DeCosta is banking on the depth this class has at offensive tackle and wide receiver, the Ravens' first pick may be used at a position like cornerback. McKinstry is a premier talent, and he could be a worthwhile target if he slips a bit.