With the 41st overall pick in the NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints draft Kool-Aid McKinstry — cornerback out of Alabama. McKinstry was widely viewed as one of the better cornerbacks in this draft class and might have the best name in the draft too. Let’s take a look at what Kool-Aid McKinstry brings to the Saints.
Kool-Aid McKinstry NFL Draft Profile 2024
Kool-Aid McKinstry
Position: CB
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 195 lbs
Age: 21
College: Alabama Crimson Tide
Kool-Aid McKinstry Highlights
Kool-Aid McKinstry Combine Results
To the disappointment of many, Kool-Aid McKinstry did not participate in the 2024 NFL Combine. We know his draft projection is early, so there wasn’t much pressure for him to participate in the drills. McKinstry is dealing with a Jones fracture in his right foot that was found during his combine medical evaluation. McKinstry will get surgery after his pro day and should make a full recovery in time for training camp.
At Alabama’s pro day, McKinstry ran the 40-yard dash at 4.47 seconds, had a vertical leap of 34’6″, and had a broad jump of 10’1″. It’s important to keep in mind that all of those times were recorded at pro day with a broken toe.
RELATED | Full Kool-Aid McKinstry NFL Draft Profile, Highlights and Stats
Kool-Aid McKinstry Scouting Report
Strengths
There are many good things to say about Kool-Aid McKinstry, but perhaps the biggest compliment he can be given is the fact that he started as a sophomore at Alabama under Nick Saban. He has all the physical tools and does a good job disrupting the route in press coverage. McKinstry knows how to break on the ball and can be trusted on an island on the outside. He is able to read the receiver which allows him to disrupt passes more often than not.
Weaknesses
The biggest weakness for McKinstry is that he can get lazy at times. When he’s beaten, he has a habit of grabbing instead of using his speed and size to make up for it. When the quarterback isn’t looking his way, he sometimes slows down and falls asleep for lack of a better term which can allow his man to get open on broken plays. He also isn’t willing to help in the run defense at times and when he does, he takes a bad route to the ball carrier too often.
What to Expect From Kool-Aid McKinstry in 2024
Although he may not be as “flashy” as some of the other cornerback prospects in this draft, McKinstry is as solid of a prospect as they come. While he probably won’t be a perennial All-Pro player, he can slot in as a solid starting cornerback off the back. While he would likely have struggled a bit out the gate if he was used as Saints’ top corner, he should have no problem as their second option behind Marshon Lattimore.
