— 5. Kool-Aid McKinstry (Jr., Alabama, 5-11, 196)

The former five-star recruit was the No. 1 cornerback in the 2021 recruiting class. McKinstry earned the "Kool-Aid" nickname from his grandmother, who said he had a "Kool-Aid smile" from birth. He started as a true freshman in a Nick Saban defense and was first-team All-SEC his sophomore season. He wasn't targeted as much his junior season, but he still found ways to improve an already polished technique. There's no panic in his game. McKinstry also provides value as a punt-returner. He produced 418 punt-return yards the last two seasons — fifth-most in the FBS over that span — averaging 11.3 yards per return. Projected: Rounds 1-2

— 6. Mike Sainristil (Sr., Michigan, 5-9, 182)

Sainristil played wide receiver his first three years in Ann Arbor before moving to defensive back full time in 2022. He lacks prototypical size for the position, but he's an explosive athlete who has played multiple positions in the secondary. His instincts as a pass defender and fearlessness against the run will endear him to most coaches. The two-time team captain was one of just five FBS players with at least six interceptions last season, including three returns of 70-plus yards and two pick-sixes. Projected: Rounds 2-3

— 7. Kamari Lassiter (Jr., Georgia, 5-11, 187)

Lassiter is a two-year starter in the SEC despite being a true junior. He was second-team All-SEC last season with no interceptions, which is indicative of how good his coverage skills are. Some teams may be turned off by him running a below-average 4.64 40-yard dash at his pro day, but his 6.62 three-cone time was the fastest at the combine for the position. Lassiter doesn't feature elite physical traits, but he makes up for it with tenacity, a refined technique and a competitive fire that's second-to-none. Projected: Rounds 2-3

— 8. Max Melton (Sr., Rutgers, 5-11, 187)

Melton was a four-year starter for the Scarlet Knights, producing 30 passes defensed and eight interceptions over the last three seasons. He's a physical, explosive ball-hawk with inside-outside versatility. His aggressive nature occasionally draws a flag and he needs to be a more consistent tackler (12 missed tackles in 2023), but those are both coachable offenses. Melton blocked four punts in his career, including an FBS-best three blocked kicks in 2022. Projected: Rounds 2-3

— 9. Kris Abrams-Draine (Sr., Missouri, 5-11, 179)

Abrams-Draine is a former wide receiver who was selected first-team All-SEC and second-team All-American last season. Size will be an issue for some teams — he might not be an asset against the run in the NFL — but he held up well at college football's highest level while essentially learning on the job. Abrams-Draine produced 40 passes defensed and seven interceptions the last three seasons. He could begin his NFL career as a return specialist while he continues to learn the nuances and develop the anticipation required to play the position. Projected: Rounds 2-4

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