Three early options for the Eagles in the 2024 NFL Draft
The Philadelphia Eagles are, once again, enjoying a successful season, but scouting is a year-round task.
Following the Philadelphia Eagles' Week 14 loss versus the Dallas Cowboys, the Birds sit at 10-3. They remain in control of their chances of winning the NFC East, however. They have a pivotal matchup versus the Seattle Seahawks in Week 15, and to earn the NFC's top seed, they need the San Francisco 49ers to lose one of their remaining four games.
The stretch run of this season is still extremely important for the Eagles. Still, even with that being said, it's never too early to begin looking at potential NFL Draft prospects.
Even with a great roster, there are some big needs that the team will need to address this offseason. So, without wasting any more time, let's dive into a few prospects that would help the Eagles immensely.
Kool-Aid McKinstry, Cornerback, Alabama
It is no secret that the Philadelphia Eagles have struggled on the back end of their defense this season. Alabama Crimson Tide standout Kool-Aid McKinstry helps alleviate some of that stress immediately.
While being elite coverage corners for most of their Eagles tenure, Darius Slay and James Bradberry have started to struggle in that category in 2023. According to PFF, Slay has a 44.4 man coverage grade, while Bradberry has a 42.3 man coverage grade.
To make matters worse, the only corner who has seen at least 100 snaps in coverage and has a positive grade is Josh Jobe at 67.2.
Depending on where their draft slot ends up being, standout Alabama defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry could help solve the team's coverage issues. Philly would probably have to use a first-round pick to acquire him, and they haven't selected a cornerback in the first round of any draft since Lito Sheppard was the choice in 2002.
McKinstry, a junior who is draft-eligible this season, has been a lockdown cover guy in both man and zone coverage. In 2023, the Alabama corner has only allowed three receptions for 53 yards on 10 targets. He also has two pass breakups.
The two-time First-Team All-SEC nod has graded out even better in zone coverage, according to PFF. He has a 79.2 coverage grade, only allowing 115 yards on 20 targets for the entire season.
With his high-level coverage skills, in addtion to high-level tacking grades and numbers, McKinstry would be a perfect addition to a secondary that needs an influx of talent.