Alabama star Kool-Aid McKinstry becomes 2024 NFL Draft steal
The New Orleans Saints unexpectedly found the opportunity to land a star cornerback with the 41st overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The shutdown star from Alabama was often mocked as a first-round talent and was a top-20 player on my board. The Saints were able to make a trade with the Green Bay […]
The New Orleans Saints unexpectedly found the opportunity to land a star cornerback with the 41st overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The shutdown star from Alabama was often mocked as a first-round talent and was a top-20 player on my board. The Saints were able to make a trade with the Green Bay Packers to nab him before he fell further.
The Saints are relatively loaded at cornerback, already boasting Marshon Lattimore, Paulson Adebo, and Alontae Taylor. McKinstry will likely rotate in since New Orleans likes to use platoon players in this position. He's a pro-ready contributor.
The 2023 first-team All-American was a sticky man corner throughout his career, but scouts didn't feel he was as sharp in his final season. He was outshined by Terrion Arnold's ball production, but McKinstry's consistency can't be overlooked. With how many teams need a cornerback, it's surprising he didn't go earlier.
Green Bay could've stood pat and taken McKinstry, but he was a logical fit for a dozen teams before this pick. He was the fourth member of the 2023 Crimson Tide to be taken in the draft, joining J.C. Latham, Dallas Turner, and Arnold.
The Crimson Tide still has several notable players left on the board. We'll see if any former stars find themselves in a great situation to succeed early in their careers.
