Kool-Aid McKinstry's Rise as Saints' CB1

0:00It's March 30th. I'm Corey with the story. This is NFL News Today, driven by AI and built for football fans. Heading into the 2025 season, the New Orleans Saints had a big hole at cornerback after losing starters, Marshawn Latamore and Paulson. Adebo, they turned to second-year player Kool-Aid McKinsey, a second-round pick from Alabama in 2024 to step up as their top guy. At 23 years old, 5 feet 11 and 199 pounds, he was ready to own that CB1 role. McKinsey got real reps as a rookie, starting nine games and playing 65% of defensive snaps after those injuries and a trade. The Saints drafted Quincy Riley in the fourth round too, but trust in McKinsey to lead. Under new coordinator Brandon Staley, they mixed up coverages, which shaped his early stats. Fans and analysts saw him battle through a rough first month, giving up catches on most targets. But a week five changed everything with two picks against the Giants,

1:00his first career interceptions sparking a hot streak over the final two-thirds of the year. On the season, he started all 17 games, snagged the team high three picks, broke up 17 passes and held opponents to 58 point. 7% completion, his late surge dropped that under 55%, helping the Saints ring 9th in defense and fourth against the pass. Looking ahead, they lost Alentay Taylor in free agency, so expect them to eye corners early in this draft. Still, McKinsey and Riley form a promising young duo that's just getting better, locking down the secondary for years to come.