New Orleans Saints Rookie Reel: Kool-Aid McKinstry will make a difference in year one for New Orleans
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. He was projected to go in round one by many draft minds. The Saints had that type of grade on […]
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. He was projected to go in round one by many draft minds. The Saints had that type of grade on him, too.
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.
Kool-Aid McKinstry will play an important role in year one for the Saints
The Saints inked McKinstry to a four-year contract on Friday. He completes their rookie class.
Check out his strengths and weaknesses via Rob Gregson below.
Strengths
- Physical: Will play with intent at the line of scrimmage and rally head first against screens and underneath routes
- Zone instincts: Well-coached with a feel for route concepts and an innate timing
- Run Support: Willing to stick his nose in and make a play on the ball carrier
Areas of Improvement-Concerns
- Long Speed: Doesn’t have the top end speed to mirror and match on vertical patterns
- Tackling Technique: Too many I’ll-advised body blows compared to well fitted tackles
- Ball Awareness: Wish he had better ball skills and a more concrete understanding of how to play the pocket at the catch point
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.
Former Saints WR sends thank you message to New Orleans in social media rant
He appreciates the fans.
