The New Orleans Saints made a strategic move in the 2024 NFL draft by selecting Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry as the 41st pick. McKinstry, a fixture in the Alabama secondary for three years, entered the draft after a standout junior season.
Here’s an insightful and quick breakdown of McKinstry’s capabilities.
Scouting Report
McKinstry boasts a robust skill set as a man-to-man corner, equipped with the size and length to effectively challenge larger receivers. His proficiency in playing on the perimeter makes him a valuable asset as an outside cornerback, and his contributions extend beyond defense to special teams, where he excels.
Notably, McKinstry exhibits exceptional quickness and adeptness in breaking on short passes, complementing his commendable long speed. As a former five-star recruit, his standout season came in 2022, where he impressively disrupted 15 passes.
Furthermore, his defensive versatility extends to run containment and blitzing situations. While displaying dynamic abilities as a punt returner, he faced occasional challenges with ball security, resulting in the loss of his punt return duties during his junior year.
Physical Attributes
Hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, and a product of Pinson Valley High School, McKinstry stands tall at 5 feet 11 1/2 inches and weighs in at 199 pounds.
College Statistics
During the 2023 season, McKinstry contributed 32 tackles, 2 tackles for loss (TFLs), 0 interceptions (INTs), and 7 pass breakups (PBUs). Throughout his collegiate career, he amassed 2 interceptions and 23 PBUs.
Career Highlights:
McKinstry garnered recognition as a first-team All-American by esteemed publications such as USA TODAY, the Associated Press, and Pro Football Focus. Additionally, he emerged as a semifinalist for the prestigious Jim Thorpe Award, reserved for the nation’s premier defensive back.
While McKinstry’s interceptions primarily occurred in non-conference matchups against Mercer and Austin-Peay, his impact was felt significantly in crucial games against formidable opponents like Texas, Ole Miss, Tennessee, and the SEC title clash versus Georgia. Notable defensive plays include a sack in the Iron Bowl victory over Auburn during his freshman year and another sack in a decisive win against Texas the following season.
His sophomore campaign featured notable performances, including three pass breakups in a Sugar Bowl triumph over Kansas State and pivotal plays against Texas and LSU. Furthermore, McKinstry showcased his prowess as a punt returner, highlighted by a sequence of electrifying returns, including multiple 40-plus yard gains.
Pro Comparison
Drawing parallels with San Francisco 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward, Kool-Aid McKinstry exemplifies similar traits and potential at the professional level.
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