The Lions unexpectedly select a Kentucky CB in the most recent Brugler mock draft.

As the Detroit Lions continue to build their team for the future, the 2025 NFL Draft presents a critical opportunity to address key positions and solidify their roster for the upcoming season and beyond. The team has a young, dynamic offense led by quarterback Jared Goff and rising stars like wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and running back Jahmyr Gibbs. However, defensively, the Lions have been in the midst of a rebuild. Over the last few seasons, Detroit has steadily improved its defense, but they still have key areas to address, particularly in the secondary.

Historically, cornerback has been a weak point for the Lions. Despite investing resources into this area, the team has struggled to find a true lockdown corner. In 2025, the Lions enter the draft with a notable need for a cornerback who can provide stability, both as a starter and as a potential playmaker in the defensive backfield. Given the rise in passing offenses around the league, a cornerback who can make a difference in coverage would be a valuable asset for Detroit’s defense.

The Brugler Mock Draft: Selection of a Kentucky CB

In the most recent mock draft by NFL Draft expert Dane Brugler, the Detroit Lions made an unexpected selection by taking a cornerback from Kentucky. At first glance, this might raise eyebrows. The Lions had multiple options available, including bolstering their pass rush or upgrading their offensive line. However, Brugler’s selection reflects a deeper look at the Lions’ needs and potential long-term strategy.

The specific cornerback Brugler has the Lions selecting is Kool-Aid McKinstry, a standout player from the University of Kentucky. McKinstry, whose unique name has garnered attention, is a versatile and highly talented defensive back with a skill set that makes him an intriguing fit for Detroit. But what makes McKinstry so special, and why would Detroit consider selecting him over other positional prospects? Let’s dive into his profile and the factors influencing the Lions’ decision.

Kool-Aid McKinstry: Player Profile

Kool-Aid McKinstry stands out as one of the top cornerback prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft. Standing at 6’1″ and weighing around 190 pounds, McKinstry possesses ideal size for a modern-day cornerback. He is a physical player who uses his length and athleticism to his advantage, often disrupting passing lanes and winning contested battles against wide receivers. But size alone doesn’t make him a top prospect—his skill set is what truly makes him stand out.

Strengths

• Athleticism and Speed: McKinstry has elite speed, which allows him to cover ground quickly and keep up with fast wide receivers. He’s not just fast in a straight line; he’s also agile and able to shift directions quickly, which makes him effective in zone coverage and in one-on-one matchups.
• Ball Skills: One of McKinstry’s most impressive attributes is his ability to track and intercept the ball. He’s shown great awareness on the field, frequently getting his hands on passes and displaying excellent ball-hawking ability. His interception rate and ability to create turnovers would be invaluable for the Lions’ defense, which has struggled with playmaking in recent years.
• Physicality and Press Coverage: McKinstry is particularly adept in press coverage, where he uses his size and physicality to jam wide receivers at the line of scrimmage. This aggressive style of play allows him to disrupt timing routes and prevent separation. Given that the NFL is trending towards high-powered passing attacks, having a cornerback who can challenge wide receivers at the line is a game-changer.
• Versatility: McKinstry has proven capable of playing in both man and zone schemes, making him an adaptable fit for different defensive coordinators and schemes. This versatility would allow the Lions to use him in a variety of roles, from a lockdown corner to a more fluid, playmaking defender in different coverage schemes.

Weaknesses

• Consistency: Like many college players, McKinstry has shown flashes of brilliance but has also been inconsistent at times. There are moments when he can lose focus, particularly when trying to anticipate plays too aggressively. This has led to occasional blown coverages and penalties.
• Aggression: While McKinstry’s physical playstyle is a strength, it can also be a double-edged sword. His aggressive nature can sometimes lead to overcommitment or getting caught out of position, especially when facing quick, shifty wide receivers.

Why the Lions Would Target McKinstry

Addressing the Secondary Needs

The Lions’ defense has struggled to cover elite wide receivers, and their secondary has been a point of vulnerability. While the team has some solid defensive backs, such as veteran cornerback Jeff Okudah, they need more stability and playmaking ability in the secondary. McKinstry’s ability to lock down wide receivers and create turnovers could be exactly what Detroit needs to improve their defense.

A cornerback like McKinstry provides immediate value as a potential No. 1 corner, but he also offers long-term upside as a key component of the Lions’ defensive foundation. His development could elevate the Lions’ defense to the next level, allowing them to compete with the pass-heavy offenses in the NFC North, such as the explosive Minnesota Vikings and the improving Green Bay Packers.

The Lions’ Long-Term Defensive Strategy

Beyond immediate needs, this pick could also signal a long-term defensive strategy for the Lions. General manager Brad Holmes has emphasized the importance of building a defense that can sustain success year after year. While Detroit has invested heavily in offensive skill positions, the defense has often been overlooked in previous drafts. By selecting McKinstry, the Lions are making a forward-thinking decision to secure a cornerback who could anchor their defense for years to come.

The NFL is increasingly a passing league, and having a strong secondary is key to success. With McKinstry on the roster, the Lions would have a legitimate lockdown corner who could alter the outcome of games with his playmaking ability.

Lions’ Previous Cornerback Draft Strategy

Historically, the Lions have invested in cornerbacks in the draft, but many of those selections have been underwhelming. Players like Jeff Okudah (3rd overall pick in 2020) and Amani Oruwariye have shown flashes but have not consistently performed at the level expected from their draft positions. McKinstry offers a fresh opportunity for Detroit to potentially hit on a top-tier cornerback prospect.

Additionally, the NFL Draft is always a gamble, and selecting McKinstry may provide the Lions with a sense of stability and upside that they haven’t had from their past cornerback selections. Given McKinstry’s college success and his physical tools, the Lions could be hoping they’re able to develop him into a perennial Pro Bowler.

Impact on the Lions’ Defense

Selecting McKinstry would have an immediate impact on the Lions’ defense. His presence would allow the Lions to move some of their other defensive backs around, potentially using Okudah in a more versatile role or allowing other young players to develop behind McKinstry. The added depth in the secondary would make it easier for Detroit to deal with top-tier wide receivers and help them remain competitive in the pass-happy NFC.

Moreover, McKinstry’s ability to play both man and zone coverage would give defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn flexibility in scheming against different offenses. The Lions would be able to employ more complex defensive strategies, using McKinstry to take away the opponent’s top receiver or to create mismatches that favor the Lions’ defense.

The selection of Kool-Aid McKinstry in the most recent Brugler mock draft is an intriguing move for the Detroit Lions. While it may have surprised some draft observers, it makes sense when considering the team’s long-term goals of building a strong, playmaking defense. McKinstry’s athleticism, versatility, and potential to be a lockdown corner make him a valuable addition to the Lions’ secondary.

In a league where passing offenses are evolving at a rapid pace, having a reliable cornerback is crucial. The Lions are investing in their future with this pick, and McKinstry has the tools to be a cornerstone of their defense for years to come.

As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, all eyes will be on the Detroit Lions to see if they continue to build a defense that can complement their explosive offense and make them a true contender in the NFC. The selection of McKinstry would be a major step in that direction.