Summer is here, and it is everyone’s favorite time of the year, scouting time. Every year, we do Summer Scouting to preview college football for Vikings fans, but also give them an idea of names to follow and watch in the fall as needs pop up for Minnesota. 

Are we going to write about quarterbacks? You know it, but why? Because other NFL teams will draft them, just as they will draft every other position. It all matters whether these players end up on the Vikings, the Bears, or the Steelers. We write these so Vikings fans can be the most informed fans. 

So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall.

Player Information

Player: D.J. McKinney

School: Colorado

Height/Weight: 6-2/190 lbs.

Player Background

– 3-Star Recruit

– Played Track and Field in High School

– Transferred from Oklahoma State to Colorado

Career Stats Heading into the 2025 Season

– 69 Tackles

– 3 Interceptions

– 14 Passes Defended

Notable PFF Numbers Heading into the 2025 Season 

– 65 PFF Run Defense Grade

– 68.9 PFF Pass Defense Grade

– 73.1 NFL QBR When Targeted

– 7 Penalties Called Against Him

Player Traits

– Fluid hips and footwork

– Shadows wide receivers well in coverage

– Does well in man coverage

– Can hold his own against physical receivers

– Uses his length when attacking the ball

Player Summary

Colorado had one notable cornerback last year in Travis Hunter; some readers may have heard of him. Replacing him as the top player in the Buffalo secondary in 2025 will be D.J. McKinney, who impressed in his first year in Boulder in 2024. He showcased decent ball skills, reliability in man coverage, and an ability to use his length to break up passes. All of this, with another year of being coached by Deion Sanders and his staff, makes him one to watch this fall to see what kind of step he takes in his development. 

This article originally appeared on Vikings Wire: 2026 NFL Draft Summer Scouting Report: D.J. McKinney, CB, Colorado