The New Orleans Saints found value in round two of the 2024 NFL Draft. Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry was often-projected in round one. Instead, the Saints grabbed him in a move up on day two.
What can fans expect from McKinstry in year one? They may be surprised by how much he plays, both on defense and special teams. His talent is undeniable.
Check out his strengths and weaknesses via Rob Gregson below.
Kool-Aid McKinstry! pic.twitter.com/8GXL7msira
— WeAreDBnation (@WeAreDBNation1) October 21, 2023
Saints are taking Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry with the No. 41 pick, per @albertbreer
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) April 26, 2024
Kool-Aid x Lattimore pic.twitter.com/h62p9CTWA4
Kool-Aid McKinstry with a Interception pic.twitter.com/drVZGIAHj6
— Alabama DieHards (@DiehardsAlabama) November 19, 2022
Kool-Aid McKinstry when targeted across 13 games in 2023:
— Word On The Birds (@WordOnTheBirds) March 8, 2024
- 16 REC
- 169 YDS
- 1 TD
- 67.9 QB RTG
Lockdown. pic.twitter.com/xNzecX2WOe
Kool-Aid McKinstry recognizing the wheel and saving a TD pic.twitter.com/LeNy9QwSKH
— Carter Donnick (@CDonnick1) May 8, 2024
"I feel like I'm a very polished player." - Saints CB Kool-Aid McKinstry pic.twitter.com/rCwNRNJTAl
— NOF (@nofnetwork) May 11, 2024
McKinstry's speed is part of the reason he dropped to round two. Some teams believes that his top speed will limit his abilities in coverage against top NFL receivers.
Additionally, he dealt with a foot injury before the draft. Sometimes, that can push a prospect down the board enough to fall out of round one. Luckily for the Saints, his talent is top notch for a day two player. He will get on the field for the Saints immediately, probably on both defense and special teams.
McKinstry slots in as a player that may take reps on both the inside and outside. Not to mention, he can return kicks and punts alongside Rashid Shaheed. That dynamic duo can make plays and flip fields.
We will see how the Saints deploy Kool-Aid. The hype is deserved.
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