The Coolest-Sounding Names in The NFL Draft
Kool-Aid McKinstry of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after their win over the LSU Tigers.
Some people just have cool names. Whether their given names are culturally significant or they’re just the product of clever parents, some people have names that just sound cool. Particularly football players.
D’Brickashaw Ferguson. Dick Butkus. Frostee Rucker. Ndamukong Suh. Cadillac Williams. The NFL has seen some unique and cool-sounding names, and there’s a new batch every season that stand out. Names you can’t imagine how to pronounce and names that are just fun to say.
Famously, the sketch comedy show Key & Peele, starring Jordan Peele and Michigan’s own Keegan-Michael Key, spoofed college football player intro videos. Surely you’ve seen the skit or a reel of it somewhere.
With the 2024 NFL Draft here in Detroit being the talk of the town and the seemingly the entire sports world, we thought we’d check out the list of players eligible in this year’s draft and pick out some that stood out.
This isn’t a ranking or a perspective list of who will be drafted in what round. These dude just have cool names that you could be hearing in the NFL this upcoming season. Maybe even playing for our Detroit Lions. We’ll start with our absolute favorite.
Kool-Aid McKinstry – Cornerback, Alabama
Kool-Aid McKinstry of the Alabama Crimson Tide celebrates after defeating the Georgia Bulldogs in the SEC Championship.
Laiatu Latu – Edge rusher, UCLA
Laiatu Latu of the UCLA Bruins at Rose Bowl Stadium.
Chop Robinson – Edge rusher, Penn State
Chop Robinson of the Penn State Nittany Lions speaks to the media during the 2024 NFL Draft Combine.
Ennis Rakestraw Jr. – Cornerback, Missouri
Defensive back Ennis Rakestraw Jr. of the Missouri Tigers celebrates his interception against the Abilene Christian Wildcats.
Ruke Orhorhoro – Interior defender, Clemson
Ruke Orhorhoro of the Clemson Tigers celebrates after a sack against the Syracuse Orange.
Mekhi Wingo – Interior defender, LSU
Mekhi Wingo of Louisiana State participates in the 40-yard dash during the NFL Combine.
Zak Zinter – Guard, Michigan
Zak Zinter of the Michigan Wolverines holds the national championship trophy after defeating the Washington Huskies.
Steele Chambers – Linebacker, Ohio State
Steele Chambers of the Ohio State Buckeyes returns an interception against the Georgia Bulldogs in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.
Bub Means – Wide receiver, Pittsburgh
Bub Means of the Pitt Panthers speaks to the media during the 2024 NFL Draft Combine.
Eyabi Okie-Anoma – Edge rusher, Charlotte
Graham Mertz of the Florida Gators stiff arms Eyabi Okie-Anoma of the Charlotte 49ers.
Lideatrick Griffin – Edge rusher, Mississippi State
Lideatrick Griffin of the Mississippi State Bulldogs lays out for a pass against Kool-Aid McKinstry f the Alabama Crimson Tide.
Zion Tupuola-Fetui – Edge rusher, Washington
Zion Tupuola-Fetui of the Washington Huskies looks on before the game against the UCLA Bruins.
And if you’re going downtown for the NFL Draft, find out where you can party with Mean Jean, Shannon Renee, Kayla & everyone here at 105.1 The Bounce by clicking on this link.
5 Earth-Shaking Predictions for the 2024 NFL Draft
We’re coming up on the 2024 NFL Draft, and those who are going through football withdrawals, like me, are so ready for it. The next best thing to watching the games is taking in all the draft action, so it can’t come soon enough. The NFL Draft, after all, is really the main event of the offseason. Also, now that we know which new players teams have picked up in free agency, we have a few more clues about which players teams might swoop up during the draft.
2024 NFL Draft Details
Detroit will host the 2024 NFL Draft. The event, presented by Bud Light, will take place from April 25 through 27, and it’s free to attend. Attendees may register for free entry by downloading the NFL OnePass app or via the web at NFL.com/DraftAccess. Also, all adults are required to register to attend and may also register up to five kids to get into the event. Fans must download the NFL OnePass app or register via the website to enter the 2024 NFL Draft Experience, presented by Rocket Mortgage. In doing so, they’ll also receive digital content and enter for a chance to win exclusive prizes, according to the official NFL website. For fans who don’t have a smartphone, registration is also available on the NFL’s website via their Fan Services.
In addition to the main attraction, the 2024 NFL Draft Experience, presented by Rocket Mortgage, will happen throughout the entire event. The free event will offer “immersive exhibits and sponsor activations,” including the chance to “take photos with the Vince Lombardi Trophy; enjoy the youth-focused Play 60 Zone; shop exclusive merchandise at the NFL Shop presented by Visa; and score autographs from current NFL players and Legends at the Autograph Stage,” according to the NFL’s website.
5 Earth-Shaking Predictions for the 2024 NFL Draft
So, 257 players are slated to be part of the draft, and they’ll be called over seven rounds. Of course, quarterbacks usually get a lot of play, and this year, 11 quarterbacks will be anxiously anticipating their new homes. I’ve put together five wild predictions for the NFL Draft this year, plus some under-the-radar predictions. These players could really change the strength and chemistry of the teams to which they’re assigned. So, even if these aren’t totally shocking picks, I think what they’ll bring to their teams will be earth-shaking. Football season can’t come soon enough.
Jonel Jaksa is the producer for The All-New Morning Bounce with Mean Jean and Shannon Renee. He’s been with 105.1 The Bounce since 2020 and has been in radio for over 20 years. He’s worked at several stations and in a wide array of radio formats, from hip-hop to rock to country music to sports talk, and is a three-time Michigan Association of Broadcasters award winner. As a content creator for 105.1 The Bounce, Jonel writes articles on hip-hop music, movies, WWE and pop culture.