Packers can't hide their interest in dream first-round target

Brian Gutekunst has used three premium picks on cornerbacks over the past six draft classes. He could add another to the list this offseason.

The Green Bay Packers need to upgrade the cornerback room in the draft. Jaire Alexander and Eric Stokes have missed significant time due to injury. While Carrington Valentine played well in year one, he was a seventh-round pick and still hasn't established himself as a starter. Fortunately, the Packers should have plenty of options in the early rounds.

Alabama's Kool-Aid McKinstry is a realistic first-round target.

According to Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy, Gutekunst attended Alabama's Pro Day. He was likely there to see multiple prospects, including McKinstry, cornerback Terrion Arnold, and tackle JC Latham.

Packers show interest in Kool-Aid McKinstry at Alabama Pro Day

According to Tide 100.9 host Wyatt Fulton, a Packers scout had a "long conversation" with McKinstry during his Pro Day.

It sure sounds like the Packers are doing their homework on the Alabama star.

McKinstry helped his chances of getting selected in the first round. Despite dealing with a Jones fracture that requires surgery, he still reportedly ran an unofficial 4.47-second 40-yard dash and recorded a 10.1-inch broad jump. Posting such impressive numbers despite not being 100 percent won't have gone unnoticed.

There was no doubting McKinstry's ability—he's a first-round talent. It all came down to how he tested.

While McKinstry doesn't have high interception numbers—he only made two in three seasons—he still broke up 23 passes and shut down some of the best receivers in college football.

According to Pro Football Focus, McKinstry is the fourth-highest-graded Alabama defensive back since 2014. The only players above him are Pat Surtain II, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Marlon Humphrey—they have a combined five first-team All-Pros and nine Pro Bowl selections.

The Packers could have two Pro Bowl cornerbacks on the outside with McKinstry and Jaire Alexander. His Pro Day performance boosted his chances of going to Green Bay in the first round, and he could be a dream addition to Jeff Hafley's defense.

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