Jul 28, 2025; Metairie, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry (4) shakes hands with cornerback Alontae Taylor (1) at Ochsner Sports Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Saints HC Kellen Moore makes bold claim about how one of his most important players is performing during training camp

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Adam Holt | Last updated Jul 30, 2025 3:21 PM ET

Breakout players are quite important in the NFL when exceeding expectations for a season. For the New Orleans Saints, a young cornerback can completely change how their defense is viewed by season's end. Kool-Aid McKinstry had some bright moments a season ago, but more consistency can take his game in the pros to the next level. His play in training camp has impressed.

Kellen Moore says Kool-Aid McKinstry is having a phenomenal camp

In a post-practice presser, the Saints head coach had a ton of praise for his young cornerback. McKinstry is slated to start outside for the Saints, and he's turning heads at practice during training camp. He's worked hard to put himself in the best shape to stay healthy, and it is showing in his performances against the Saints' top pass catchers.

"This has been a big-time camp for Kool-Aid. He has played phenomenally." -- Kellen Moore

"This has been a big-time camp for Kool-Aid. He has played phenomenally." pic.twitter.com/gfnz4bBBCx
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) July 30, 2025

One of McKinstry's highlights caught the attention of plenty of fans on Wednesday. He made a great play on the football in coverage against Rashid Shaheed to break up the play. Shaheed possesses blazing speed, but McKinstry stayed with him and made a play on the ball as Shaheed went to make the grab.

Kool coverage pic.twitter.com/yOphQJoAdQ
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) July 30, 2025

That sort of timing isn't a trait easily learned. You can tell that McKinstry may be a bit wise beyond his ears when it comes to the smaller parts to playing the CB position at the pro level. Playing college football at Alabama helps with that, but he's also taken strides since arriving in New Orleans.

With limited experience and proven upside at the CB position for the Saints, they need Kool-Aid to perform at a high level this season. Alontae Taylor seems to be slated for the slot role, and he is most comfortable there. Getting notable improvement and a healthy campaign from McKinstry makes the secondary look much better for New Orleans.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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