Report: Alabama's Kool-Aid McKinstry, Terrion Arnold to Enter 2024 NFL Draft

Alabama will reportedly lose multiple cornerbacks from its 2023 roster heading into next season.

According to ESPN's Chris Low, cornerbacks Kool-Aid McKinstry and Terrion Arnold will enter the 2024 NFL draft instead of returning to the Crimson Tide.

It's not all bad news for Nick Saban's program, though, as linebacker Deontae Lawson and defensive back Malachi Moore plan on returning.

Both cornerbacks appeared in all 14 games for Alabama this past season and helped lead it to an SEC championship and College Football Playoff berth. Yet the national championship dreams came to an end when the Crimson Tide lost to Michigan in the CFP semifinals.

McKinstry finished the year with 32 tackles and seven passes defended. The numbers didn't jump off the page in part because opposing offenses hesitated to throw his way given his overall talent level.

Arnold posted 63 tackles, 12 passes defended, five interceptions, one sack and one forced fumble.

B/R's NFL Scouting Department included both players in the top 150 on the latest big board. McKinstry checked in at No. 14 overall and the best cornerback. He was also listed as the most versatile player at his position.

Arnold was the No. 111 overall player and No. 15 cornerback.

Yet cornerback is also a premium position, so even being outside the top 100 gives players a chance to go in the first round. In fact, Tankathon's latest mock draft has McKinstry going No. 14 overall to the Denver Broncos and Arnold going No. 26 overall to the Philadelphia Eagles.

As for the Crimson Tide, this is far from the first time they will need to reload with players departing for the NFL draft.

Their highly regarded 2024 recruiting class includes three cornerbacks. What's more, former USC defensive back Domani Jackson joined Alabama this offseason as a transfer.