DJ McKinney quietly put together a good 2024 college football season. He was in the shadow of Colorado teammate Travis Hunter, but that is understandable: The reigning Heisman Trophy winner is an all-world talent.
Regardless, McKinney played good football in the Buffaloes’ secondary. He finished the season with the most defensive snaps played on the team, 62 tackles, eight pass breakups, and three interceptions.
With Hunter preparing for his rookie season in the NFL, McKinney will step into the spotlight for the Buffaloes. He is, arguably, their best cornerback and has the potential to become a top coverage defender in the Big-12.
McKinney struggled at times last season with technique and his coverage process in man coverage. Those issues are correctable with proper coaching, which he will have with Deion Sanders, who is widely considered to be the best CB in NFL history.
McKinney plays multiple coverages for Colorado’s defense and should find his level of comfort with that in his second season. He flashes effectiveness in bump and run, off-man and zone coverages. His athleticism and ball skills are natural strengths in his skill set.
Transferring from Oklahoma State to Colorado put him in a great position to learn and become a potential first-round player. Sanders told him in during spring workouts he wants McKinney to be the team’s CB1 and face the opposing offense’s top receiver. He clearly believes in his talented cornerback heading into this season.
McKinney needs to refine his coverage process to ensure his reps are cleaner from start to finish this season. If so, his stock will rise in a competitive cornerback class for the 2026 draft.
