The New Orleans Saints were able to select Kool-Aid McKinstry, one of the best corners in the 2024 Draft, in the second round. With McKinstry’s skill set and experience at the University of Alabama, he’s expected to be a day-one contributor in a talented Saints secondary. Unfortunately, he hasn’t really been able to get that process started on the field yet.
At the NFL scouting combine, it was discovered that McKinstry had a Jones fracture in his foot. McKinstry elected to still perform at his pro day, then have surgery. So the early days of his time in the NFL have been spent rehabbing; he hasn’t been able to take the field with the defense during OTAs. That’s expected to change for mandatory minicamp, though.
With the Saints starting their mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, June 11, it’s being reported that New Orleans is planning to work McKinstry into practice.
Kool-Aid McKinstry expected to practice during minicamp
Minicamp is only three days, but it will be McKinstry’s final opportunity to get on the field with the team before training camp arrives. So if he’s ready, the team should definitely take advantage of the opportunity. McKinstry, who has been attacking his rehab, is definitely looking forward to his return, saying, “I'm ... itching to get out there with the guys and build that bond, that chemistry that's going to be very special to this secondary.”
The secondary definitely has a chance to be special. The unit was already pretty good last year, and all the key pieces are returning. Marshon Lattimore, the most decorated corner on the team is back, and so is Paulson Adebo, who’s coming off a breakout season. They’ll likely hold down the outside, while Alontae Taylor and Kool-Aid McKinstry could handle things inside.
In addition to the corners, Tyrann Mathieu and Jordan Howden are also back at safety. Health will be big for the entire secondary, but the team also has nice depth to withstand any unfortunate injuries. Hopefully, that won’t be necessary, and all the guys can thrive together.
