Former Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Kool-Aid McKinstry will begin his professional career with the New Orleans Saints after being selected No. 41 overall in the second round of the 2024 NFL draft.
McKinstry was on the first-round radar for quite some time. Many experts had him near the top of cornerback position grades heading into the 2023 college football season. A slight decline in production and the rise of fellow Crimson Tide cornerback Terrion Arnold led to McKinstry sliding in 2024 projections. However, he didn’t wait long after the second round began.
Last season, McKinstry recorded 32 total tackles, two tackles for loss and seven defended passes. However, in 2022, he tallied 35 total tackles, two tackles for loss, one sack, an interception and 15 passes defended.
It’s noteworthy that McKinstry is also a skilled special teams asset. He was utilized as Alabama’s primary punt returner for a while.
He lands with the Saints as a steal of a pick; they have an immediate starter in the talented rookie-to-be.
Roll Tide Wire will continue to follow McKinstry as he begins his professional career in the 2024 NFL season.
Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion. You can also follow AJ Spurr on X @SpurrFM.