The Saints announced on Friday that second-round corner Kool-Aid McKinstry has inked his rookie deal. All members of the team’s draft class are now on the books as a result.
McKinstry was one of many players believed to be on the fringe of first-round consideration leading up to the draft. Expectations were high entering the 2023 campaign based on his strong sophomore season. Alabama teammate Terrion Arnold delivered a better showing this year, though, and to no surprise, he heard his name called in the first round.
That left McKinstry to wait until Day 2 to be selected. New Orleans moved up to draft him at No. 41, giving the team another starting-caliber option at the cornerback spot. One of the Saints’ top offseason storylines has centered on the future of four-time Pro Bowler Marshon Lattimore. A trade sending him away is not in the team’s plans, however, meaning he is on track to remain in place for at least 2024.
The Saints have Lattimore alongside Paulson Adebo and Alontae Taylor. The latter two were also recent Day 2 selections, and McKinstry represents another draft investment at the CB position. He did not record an interception this season, but he added seven pass deflections while remaining a contributor as a punt returner. Known more for a well-rounded skillset in coverage and a high football IQ (which helped yield All-SEC and All-American honors) than for overwhelming physical traits, he should be able to compete for at least a special teams role right away.
New Orleans ranked 10th in the league in terms of passing yards against last season. With Lattimore, Adebo and Taylor returning, expectations will be high for the unit to repeat that success in 2024. McKinstry could be relegated to backup duties as a rookie, but he has starting potential down the road.
Here is a final look at the Saints’ draft class:
- Round 1, No. 14: Taliese Fuaga (OL, Oregon State) (signed)
- Round 2, No. 41 (from Jets through Packers): Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB, Alabama) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 150: Spencer Rattler (QB, South Carolina) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 170: Bub Means (WR, Pittsburgh) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 175: Jaylan Ford (LB, Texas) (signed)
- Round 6, No. 199 (from Eagles): Khristian Boyd (DT, Northern Iowa) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 239 (from Rams through Broncos): Josiah Ezirim (T, Eastern Kentucky) (signed)
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