Daniel Jeremiah’s mock draft suggests that the Packers could use Kentucky Wildcats cornerback assistance.

The NFL Draft is always a critical time for teams looking to address their roster needs and build for the future. For the Green Bay Packers, the 2025 draft presents an opportunity to strengthen key areas of their squad, and one position that could significantly improve their defense is cornerback. Daniel Jeremiah, one of the most respected voices in the NFL draft analysis space, recently highlighted this need in his mock draft, suggesting that the Packers might turn to the Kentucky Wildcats for assistance at cornerback. Specifically, Jeremiah pointed to Kool-Aid McKinstry, a standout cornerback from Kentucky, as a potential answer to Green Bay’s defensive concerns.

The Packers, who have seen their secondary struggle at times in recent years, are in a unique position this offseason. They possess one of the most talented defensive units in the league, but their cornerback depth and coverage ability remain a question mark. Green Bay’s defense has the potential to be elite, but it needs a cornerback who can match up with the league’s top receivers, cover efficiently, and be an immediate difference-maker. A player like Kool-Aid McKinstry, who has shown great promise as one of the top cornerbacks in the 2025 draft class, could be exactly what the Packers need.

In this article, we will take a closer look at Kool-Aid McKinstry‘s profile, what makes him such an intriguing prospect, and why Daniel Jeremiah believes the Green Bay Packers could benefit from adding him to their roster.

Who is Kool-Aid McKinstry?

Before diving into why McKinstry is a good fit for the Packers, it’s essential to understand the player himself. McKinstry is a cornerback for the Kentucky Wildcats who has earned widespread recognition for his skills and playmaking ability on the field. His rise in the college football ranks has been nothing short of impressive, and he is considered one of the top cornerback prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft.

McKinstry has the ideal physical traits for an NFL cornerback. Standing at 6’1” and weighing in at 190 pounds, he has the size, strength, and agility that scouts covet in today’s NFL. His combination of length, speed, and athleticism allows him to keep pace with some of the best wide receivers in college football, and he excels at both man-to-man coverage and zone schemes. McKinstry’s ability to mirror receivers, combined with his ball skills, has made him a threat in pass coverage.

Over his career at Kentucky, McKinstry has demonstrated an uncanny ability to read the quarterback’s eyes, anticipate routes, and jump passes for interceptions. He has become a playmaking force in the Wildcats’ defense, contributing with both tackles and pass breakups. His physicality in run support is also an underrated aspect of his game. McKinstry is a cornerback who is comfortable tackling in the open field and providing support against the run, which adds value to his overall skill set.

McKinstry’s growth as a college player and his ability to shut down top-tier competition has cemented his status as one of the premier cornerbacks in the draft class. As one of Kentucky’s defensive anchors, McKinstry has played in high-pressure games in the SEC, facing off against elite receiving talent regularly. That experience will make him more than ready for the challenges of the NFL, and NFL teams will be looking to get their hands on a player with his potential.

Kool-Aid McKinstry’s Fit with the Green Bay Packers

Daniel Jeremiah’s mock draft suggests that the Packers, with their defensive-minded head coach Matt LaFleur and defensive coordinator Joe Barry, could be targeting McKinstry as a potential solution for their secondary. The Packers’ defense has been solid in recent years, with standouts like Jaire Alexander, Rashan Gary, and Kenny Clark leading the charge. However, cornerback depth has been an ongoing issue for the Packers. After trading away Jalen Ramsey and dealing with various injuries to key cornerbacks over the years, Green Bay has lacked the same consistency at cornerback as they’ve had in other defensive positions.

In Jaire Alexander, the Packers have one of the league’s premier shutdown corners, but the team’s depth at cornerback has been a bit thin. If Green Bay can add a player like McKinstry to pair alongside Alexander, they would form one of the most dynamic cornerback duos in the league. McKinstry’s versatility, paired with Alexander’s lockdown abilities, would give the Packers a significant advantage in pass defense. With Darnell Savage Jr. and Adrian Amos at safety, Green Bay would have a cohesive, talented secondary capable of limiting big plays and forcing turnovers.

Additionally, the Packers have traditionally relied on their defense to keep them competitive, with a focus on pressure from the front seven. However, in today’s NFL, having a top-tier secondary is just as important as a formidable pass rush. McKinstry would instantly provide the Packers with a playmaking corner who can break up passes, intercept throws, and provide the necessary coverage against top-flight receiving corps. In the NFC, where high-powered offenses like those of the Minnesota Vikings, Detroit Lions, and San Francisco 49ers dominate, adding a cornerback with McKinstry’s talents would be essential for Green Bay’s long-term success.

Why McKinstry Could Be the Answer to Green Bay’s Secondary Woes

The Packers have struggled to keep up with the elite passing games in the NFC, especially when facing teams with top-tier wide receivers. Adding McKinstry to the secondary would immediately bolster Green Bay’s coverage abilities. Here are several reasons why McKinstry’s arrival could be the perfect solution to their defensive needs:

1. McKinstry’s Physical Traits and Skill Set

As mentioned earlier, McKinstry’s size and athleticism make him a perfect fit for the NFL. He can match up against both small, shifty receivers and big, physical pass-catchers. His length and speed allow him to cover more ground, providing the Packers with a player who can excel in man-to-man, press coverage, and zone schemes.

Additionally, McKinstry has shown the ability to locate the ball and make plays in critical moments. Whether it’s an interception or a timely pass breakup, McKinstry has developed a reputation for making key plays that shift the momentum of a game. His ability to make plays on the ball in critical moments, especially in high-pressure situations, would be a huge asset for Green Bay’s defense.

2. The Packers Need Depth at Cornerback

While Jaire Alexander is one of the NFL’s best, the Packers need more depth at cornerback. Behind Alexander, the team has struggled to find consistent talent. In Eric Stokes, the Packers have a young cornerback with potential, but Stokes has had issues staying healthy. The addition of McKinstry would immediately upgrade the team’s depth at cornerback and give Green Bay the flexibility to rotate players and provide fresh legs in the secondary.

By adding McKinstry, the Packers would not only improve their cornerback depth but also provide better coverage against the spread offenses that dominate the NFL today. McKinstry’s ability to lock down outside receivers would allow the Packers to focus on their pass rush and put more pressure on opposing quarterbacks, knowing they have a reliable secondary in place.

3. His Experience in the SEC

McKinstry’s experience in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) is another reason why he could seamlessly transition into the NFL. The SEC is often regarded as the most competitive conference in college football, and McKinstry has consistently gone toe-to-toe with some of the best wide receivers in the country. Facing teams like Alabama, LSU, and Georgia week in and week out has given him the experience needed to thrive in the NFL. In the NFL, he will be prepared for the competition, and his experience against top-tier college talent will give him an edge over many other prospects.

What McKinstry Brings to the Packers’ Defensive Scheme

Under defensive coordinator Joe Barry, the Packers have focused on a balanced approach, utilizing both aggressive man-to-man coverage and more zone-based principles. McKinstry’s versatility in both schemes makes him an ideal fit for Barry’s system. Whether it’s playing press coverage on the outside, tracking receivers downfield, or providing support in zone coverage, McKinstry can do it all.

In the Packers’ defensive system, McKinstry would be used as a lockdown corner, tasked with covering opposing teams’ top receivers. His ability to step up and perform in these matchups would be crucial as the Packers continue to aim for a Super Bowl in the near future. With the NFC North becoming increasingly competitive and more teams focusing on passing games, McKinstry’s skills would elevate Green Bay’s defense and give them the edge they need.