D.J. McKinney, CB, Notre Dame: 2027 NFL Draft Prospect Profile & Scouting Report
1. General Information
|
Attribute |
Details |
|
Name |
D.J. McKinney |
|
Position |
Cornerback (CB) |
|
Jersey Number |
#2 |
|
Class |
Redshirt Senior |
|
School |
Notre Dame |
|
Height / Weight |
6’2″ / 180 lbs |
|
Hometown / HS |
Colleyville, Texas / Colleyville Heritage HS |
2. Career Statistical Breakdown
Defensive Production
|
Season |
Team |
Conf |
Class |
G |
Tackles |
TFL |
Sacks |
INT |
PD |
|
2022 |
Oklahoma State |
Big 12 |
FR |
4 |
2 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0 |
0 |
|
2023 |
Oklahoma State |
Big 12 |
SO |
14 |
38 |
0.0 |
0.0 |
0 |
5 |
|
2024 |
Colorado |
Big 12 |
JR |
13 |
62 |
3.0 |
0.0 |
3 |
9 |
|
2025 |
Colorado |
Big 12 |
SR |
9 |
35 |
1.0 |
0.0 |
1 |
5 |
|
Total |
40 |
137 |
4.0 |
0.0 |
4 |
19 |
3. NFL Combine Testing Projections
Projected baseline physical metrics for the 2027 NFL Draft cycle based on his verified high school track background and collegiate movement profiles.
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.42 – 4.50 seconds
- Vertical Jump: 36.0″ – 38.0″
- Broad Jump: 10’2″ – 10’6″
- 10-Yard Split: 1.50 – 1.55 seconds
- Bench Press: 14 – 18 repetitions
4. Scouting Notes
Background Profile
D.J. McKinney is a battle-tested defensive back who has navigated the Power 4 landscape. A former three-star recruit from Colleyville, Texas, McKinney developed his game through multiple stops, starting at Oklahoma State before blossoming into a full-time starter and playmaker at Colorado. Known for his demeanor and high-end speed, he brings veteran-level recognition and a track-star pedigree to the Notre Dame secondary for the 2026 season.
Key Strengths
- Elite Length & Frame: Standing at 6’2″, McKinney possesses the prototypical height and reach desired by NFL defensive coordinators to combat modern, “X” receiver threats on the boundary.
- Proved Ball-Production: With 19 career pass breakups and four interceptions, he has shown a consistent ability to contest catches and disrupt passing lanes when the ball is in the air.
- Experience & Versatility: Having logged over 40 collegiate appearances, he brings significant scheme intelligence, showing comfort in both tight-man and zone-heavy defensive packages.
- High-Leverage Impact: His 2024 season at Colorado—highlighted by a pick-six against his former team, Oklahoma State—demonstrated his ability to perform in high-pressure moments and capitalize on critical turnovers.
Developmental Focus
As he approaches the 2027 draft cycle, McKinney’s primary developmental focus is on adding functional play strength to his lean frame to better handle the physicality of NFL perimeter receivers. Evaluators will also be looking for him to maintain full-season durability after missing the final three games of his 2025 campaign. Further refining his mirror-and-match technique at the top of the route will solidify his projection as an impact cornerback at the professional level.
Draft Countdown Film Notes
pending
All-Star Game Notes
pending
Combine/Pro Day Measurables
pending