Saints add Kool-Aid McKinstry to cornerback mix as questions loom over future decisions at the postion

The drama is only going to increase from here.

No matter what the New Orleans Saints say or suggest about star cornerback Marshon Lattimore, the questions will grow louder after the team traded up in the second round to select Alabama cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry with the No. 41 overall pick.

Saints select Alabama CB Kool-Aid McKinstry with the 41st overall pickSaints trade up to get the First-team AP All-American pic.twitter.com/0FMSk5NkjA— NOF (@nofnetwork) April 27, 2024

The investment in the cornerback means the Saints will have four players who need snaps. That's a crowded room. And the move to set up Lattimore's contract to facilitate a trade is now back in the spotlight after league sources, on and off the record, have spent the past month saying he is more likely to be here than not moving forward.

And even if this isn't tied to Lattimore, Paulson Adebo is entering the final year of his contract, and it's possible his successor may have just entered the building. No matter what, though, there is no doubt that cornerback is, at least for now, the most stacked and competitive position group on the roster.

Trading up for McKinstry was likely about capitalizing on an opportunity at a position that carries considerable value more than anything else.

He was the top player on the Saints' board and considered one of the better prospects in the draft. Many draft experts thought he'd be a top-25 pick, but an early run on offensive players helped him slip into the second round. So, there is a chance this is just about getting a good player and letting everything else play out.

Saints trade up and add All-American CB out of Alabama Kool-Aid McKinstry at pick 41The Dot presented by Matt Bowers Auto Group pic.twitter.com/aoYOLBE9IB— NOF (@nofnetwork) April 27, 2024

THE BREAKDOWN

McKinstry is a good athlete (4.47 40-yard dash) with good measurable (5-foot-11, 199 pounds). He plays precisely how you would expect a Saints cornerback to play. He's good in press coverage, has good hips, tackles well and likes to go after the ball.

His coverage is sticky. McKinstry was targeted 43 times last season and gave up 20 catches for 208 yards and a touchdown. He didn’t have any interceptions, but he forced 11 incompletions. He never gave up more than four receptions in a game and allowed two or fewer in 12 games.

He's at his best when he can lock people up in coverage, and he hopes to continue doing so at this level.

"That's what I primarily did at Bama," McKinstry said Friday after being drafted by the Saints. "I played probably the most press-man snaps in college football over the last two years. I have no problem playing press at all."

McKinstry has traits that translate to the inside even if he only logged six snaps in the slot last season. He has quick feet and turns well, good instincts and vision and is fluid in his movements. He also tackles well and has good eyes against the run, another requirement for playing inside.

If that is the case, he could end up competing with Alontae Taylor for that position.

"I just want to get out there and show who I am as an athlete and who I am as a person, too," McKinstry said.

New Saints CB Kool-Aid McKinstry talks his approach to playing cornerbackFULL INTERVIEW⬇️https://t.co/cYYFT4UqdP pic.twitter.com/RFIareNnus— NOF (@nofnetwork) April 27, 2024

THE FIT

Good players matter. The Saints have a ton of them in the secondary now, and their options are open. They could trade Lattimore if the right opportunity arises. To this point, we're told there still hasn't been an offer close to what the team is looking for. But that could change with one phone call.

The Adebo situation also looms large. He's elevated his game, and if he continues to, he could have a strong market after this season. Cornerbacks in that range are pulling down a considerable amount of money, and having McKinstry and Taylor on rookie contracts gives the Saints options. They could ultimately decide to try to keep costs down at a premium position.

The future will be incredibly interesting, whether that means someone is leaving or everyone sticks around this season. If it does include keeping everyone, the camp battles between Lattimore, Adebo, Taylor and McKinstry will be intense, and the competition should mean everyone is raising their games.

So, whether it's having a stacked position, preparing for the future or trading someone for future assets, New Orleans has enough options to explore any scenario.