When it comes to the NFL Draft, there is no calm before the storm.

In fact, the days leading up to Thursday night’s first round are filled with speculation and rumors about teams and potential draftees.

Reports, err rumors, have former Oregon – and Auburn – quarterback Bo Nix connected to the Vikings, Rams and Broncos, just to name a few. A first-round pick? Potentially.

One thing is for sure, however. Former Alabama defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry might be Nix’s biggest fan.

“Bo Nix is a Day 1 starter,” McKinstry told the Up & Adams show. “Bo Nix is the man. Everyone knows that. You turn on the tape. You know Bo Nix can play the quarterback position at a high level.

“I definitely think Bo Nix is going to be a starter in the league on Day 1.”

If anyone would know, it would be McKinstry, who was high school teammates with Nix at Pinson Valley.

The duo led Pinson Valley past Saraland 26-17 in Jordan-Hare Stadium to claim the Indians’ second consecutive 6A championship back in 2018.

Nix threw for 372 total yards and four touchdowns and was named Mr. Football in the state of Alabama before heading to Auburn.

McKinstry, meanwhile, was a sophomore that season and was named first-team All-State. Two years later, he was named Mr. Football before heading to Tuscaloosa.

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.